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Junior hockey players in the Canadian Hockey League who claim they were victims of abuse or hazing may be eligible for compensation through the courts.
Ontario Superior Court recently approved a procedure for players who competed in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Western Hockey League (WHL) to seek compensation for alleged abuse, bullying or hazing.
Claims will be accepted from current and past players, dating back to 1975, when the CHL was established.
Toronto-based law firm Koskie Minsky LLP is overseeing the claims, which can be submitted until April 6.
Gerry Antman, a lawyer and partner with the firm, said his practice focuses on institutional abuse and other class actions that involve personal injuries.
He noted this process is different from a traditional class action since the players must apply to be included.
“They would have to describe the nature and extent of the abuse they suffered, as well as the impacts that abuse had on them in the short-term as children, and now into adulthood.”
The opt-in process comes after the Ontario Superior Court of Justice didn’t certify a class action proposed by former players against the CHL.
Gerry Antman is a lawyer and partner with Toronto-based Koskie Minsky LLP, which is overseeing the hockey player abuse claims filed to the court. (Koskie Minsky LLP website)
Antman said his firm is routinely contacted by former junior hockey players who shared stories of abuse, including in recent seasons.
When asked about the details of what players allege have happened to them over the years, Antman said it would be too graphic to articulate over the airwaves.
“It’s now 2026, and some of these things continue to go on today, which is a bit shocking.”
League, teams back court’s work: OHL spokesperson
In an email to CBC, OHL spokesperson Josh Sweetland said the CHL and its teams support the court’s work to create the opt-in process.
He noted the league and its teams have been posting the notice of this process on their sites, as per the court’s requirements.
“The Canadian Hockey League takes the safety and well-being of players seriously,” he wrote. “Because this matter is before the courts, the CHL is not in a position to comment on specific allegations.”
In each lawsuit, Antman said, the CHL, the regional league and the team or teams the plaintiff competed on would be named as defendants, and would ultimately be responsible to pay out any applicable compensation.
“Our team is available to guide individuals through this process in a way that makes sure they can access justice in a way that’s supportive and trauma informed.”