Junior hockey players in the Canadian Hockey League who have experienced abuse or hazing may have the opportunity to seek compensation through legal channels. The Ontario Superior Court has recently established a procedure for players from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Western Hockey League (WHL) to pursue claims for alleged mistreatment dating back to the establishment of the CHL in 1975.
Current and former players are eligible to file claims until April 6, overseen by Toronto-based law firm Koskie Minsky LLP. Gerry Antman, a partner at the firm specializing in institutional abuse cases, highlighted that this process requires players to apply for inclusion and detail the abuse suffered and its long-term effects.
Following the dismissal of a class-action lawsuit against the CHL, the opt-in process was initiated to allow individual claims. Antman mentioned that his firm regularly hears from former junior hockey players recounting instances of abuse, some of which have occurred in recent years.
OHL spokesperson Josh Sweetland expressed the league and teams’ support for the court’s initiative and the dissemination of information about the compensation process. While emphasizing player safety, Sweetland refrained from commenting on specific allegations due to the legal proceedings.
In each legal action, the CHL, regional leagues, and implicated teams would be named as defendants responsible for any compensation. Antman assured that their team is prepared to assist individuals through the process in a supportive and trauma-informed manner.