Court Approves Process for OHL and WHL Players to Seek Abuse Compensation

Players who competed in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Western Hockey League (WHL) now have a court-approved pathway to seek compensation if they experienced abuse or hazing. The Ontario Superior Court has established an opt-in procedure, allowing both current and former players to submit claims. These claims can cover incidents dating back to the establishment of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) in 1975.

The process is being managed by the Toronto-based law firm Koskie Minsky LLP, which specializes in institutional abuse cases. Unlike a traditional class action, players must actively apply to be included in this compensation process. Applicants will need to detail the nature and extent of the abuse they endured, as well as its short-term and long-term impacts.

This development follows the court's decision not to certify a class action lawsuit previously proposed by former players against the CHL. The law firm noted that such abuse allegations have been made by former junior hockey players in recent seasons.

Both the CHL and its member teams are supporting the court's initiative. Spokesperson Josh Sweetland stated that the league takes player safety seriously and is posting notices about the opt-in process on team websites as required. Due to the ongoing legal proceedings, specific allegations are not being commented on.

In each claim, the CHL, the respective regional league, and the teams involved would be named as defendants, bearing responsibility for any compensation awarded. The law firm has emphasized its commitment to guiding claimants through this process with support and a trauma-informed approach.