Junior hockey players in the Canadian Hockey League who have experienced abuse or hazing may now seek compensation through legal channels. The Ontario Superior Court has approved a process for individuals who participated in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Western Hockey League (WHL) to pursue claims for alleged mistreatment, harassment, or hazing incidents.
Both current and former players, going back to the establishment of the CHL in 1975, are eligible to submit claims. The law firm Koskie Minsky LLP, based in Toronto, is managing the claims process, with a deadline set for April 6.
Gerry Antman, a lawyer and partner at the firm, specializes in cases involving institutional abuse and class actions related to personal injuries. He emphasized that this process differs from a typical class action lawsuit as players must actively apply to be part of it.
Applicants are required to detail the abuse they endured, its impact on them during childhood, and how it continues to affect them into adulthood. Following the court’s decision not to certify a class action proposed by former players against the CHL, this opt-in process has been initiated.
Antman revealed that his firm frequently receives contact from former junior hockey players who recount instances of abuse, some of which are recent. When questioned about the specifics of the alleged incidents, Antman declined to provide graphic details, citing their disturbing nature and the ongoing occurrence of such events in the present day.
According to OHL spokesperson Josh Sweetland, the CHL and its teams are in support of the court’s implementation of the opt-in process. He mentioned that the league and its teams have been adhering to the court’s directives by posting notices about the process on their websites. Sweetland emphasized the CHL’s commitment to player safety and well-being and refrained from commenting on specific allegations due to the legal nature of the matter.
In each legal action, Antman explained that the CHL, the respective regional league, and the player’s affiliated team or teams would be named as defendants responsible for any awarded compensation. The legal team aims to assist individuals through the process in a supportive and trauma-informed manner to ensure access to justice.
Overall, the initiative aims to provide a platform for affected players to seek redress for past grievances and raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding the well-being of athletes in sports organizations.