Court authorizes opt-in claims for OHL and WHL players alleging abuse

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has sanctioned an opt-in mechanism that permits both current and former players from the Ontario Hockey League and Western Hockey League to pursue damages for alleged abuse, bullying or hazing that began when the Canadian Hockey League was founded in 1975. Claims must be filed through a process managed by the Toronto-based firm Koskie Minsky LLP, with a submission deadline of April 6.

Gerry Antman, a partner at the firm, explained that applicants will need to detail the nature of the abuse and its lasting effects from childhood into adulthood. The court’s move comes after it declined to certify a broader class action brought by former players against the CHL. The league and its teams have expressed support for the court-ordered procedure, with OHL spokesperson Josh Sweetland noting that the CHL cannot comment on individual allegations while the matter proceeds in court. Each lawsuit will name the CHL, the regional league and the specific team as responsible parties, and the law firm will guide claimants through a trauma-informed process.