Junior hockey players in the Canadian Hockey League who have experienced abuse or hazing may have the opportunity to receive compensation through legal channels. Recently, the Ontario Superior Court has established a procedure for players who participated in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Western Hockey League (WHL) to pursue compensation for alleged mistreatment, harassment, or hazing incidents.
Players, both current and former, dating back to the establishment of the CHL in 1975, are eligible to file claims. The law firm Koskie Minsky LLP, based in Toronto, is managing the claims process, with a deadline for submissions 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.
Antman highlighted the unique nature of this process, emphasizing that players must proactively apply to be included in the compensation claims. They are required to detail the abuse they endured, its impact on them during their youth, and its lasting effects into adulthood.
The decision for an opt-in process follows the Ontario Superior Court of Justice’s rejection of a proposed class action by former players against the CHL. Antman mentioned that his firm regularly hears from former junior hockey players who have shared their experiences of abuse, even in recent times.
In response to inquiries about the specifics of the allegations, Antman expressed reluctance to disclose graphic details publicly, citing ongoing occurrences of such misconduct despite the current year being 2026.
Regarding the court’s initiative, OHL spokesperson Josh Sweetland communicated via email to CBC that the CHL and its teams endorse the court’s efforts in instituting the opt-in procedure. He mentioned that the league and its teams have complied with the court’s directives by posting notifications about the process on their websites. Sweetland emphasized the CHL’s commitment to player safety and well-being and refrained from commenting on individual claims due to the legal proceedings.
Antman clarified that in each lawsuit, the CHL, the respective regional league, and the player’s team or teams would be named as defendants responsible for any potential compensation payouts. He assured individuals of his team’s readiness to support them through the process, ensuring access to justice in a compassionate and trauma-informed manner.