Junior hockey players in the Canadian Hockey League who have experienced abuse or hazing may seek compensation through the legal system. The Ontario Superior Court has established a procedure for players from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Western Hockey League (WHL) to pursue claims related to alleged mistreatment. Individuals, both current and former players dating back to the CHL’s inception in 1975, are eligible to submit claims until April 6. Koskie Minsky LLP, a Toronto-based law firm, is managing the claims process.
Gerry Antman, a lawyer at Koskie Minsky LLP, specializes in cases of institutional abuse and personal injury class actions. Unlike a typical class action lawsuit, players must apply to be part of this process by detailing the abuse they endured, its effects on them as children, and its lasting impact into adulthood.
The opt-in process was established after the Ontario Superior Court of Justice did not approve a class action proposed by former players against the CHL. Antman mentioned receiving numerous accounts of abuse from former junior hockey players, some as recent as the present year. He declined to provide specific details of the allegations, citing their graphic nature.
OHL spokesperson Josh Sweetland communicated via email to CBC that the league and its teams endorse the court’s opt-in process for compensation claims. He emphasized the league’s commitment to player safety and well-being, refraining from commenting on individual allegations due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Each lawsuit will name the CHL, the respective regional league, and the player’s former team or teams as defendants, ultimately responsible for any compensation awarded. Antman’s team is dedicated to assisting individuals throughout the process, ensuring a supportive and trauma-informed approach to accessing justice.
