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Junior hockey players in OHL, WHL can seek compensation for alleged
abuse, court says

   Alex Flood
   | CBC News | Posted: August 28, 2026 5:35 PM | Last Updated:
   August 28

   Ontario Superior Court recently OK'd opt-in process for
   current, former CHL players

   Image | HKO-CHL-USA-Challenge 20241022

   Caption: Canadian Hockey League players in the OHL and WHL are
   now able to seek compensation for alleged abuse. Claims will be
   accepted from current and past players, dating back to 1975,
   when the CHL was established. (The Canadian Press)
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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."
     * 4 Hockey Canada players from 2018 junior team remain
       suspended

   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.

   Image | Gerry Antman

   Caption: 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)
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   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.”
     * 'Ringleader' in Manitoba high school hockey hazing
       complaint loses suspension appeal

   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.”

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