Canadian Hockey League players eligible for abuse claim opt-in
Former junior hockey players from the Western Hockey League (WHL) and Ontario Hockey League (OHL) can now participate in a court-ordered opt-in process to seek compensation for alleged abuse. The legal action, overseen by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, targets the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), specific teams, and regional leagues.
This alternative procedure follows a 2023 decision where the Ontario Superior Court of Justice declined to certify the litigation as a class action, a ruling later upheld by the Court of Appeal for Ontario in 2025. The new process allows players who competed in these leagues at any time since May 8, 1975, to join a ‘joinder action.’ Under this structure, claims will be determined alongside other players who played for the same team.
Toronto-based law firm Koskie Minsky LLP will represent those who participate. Eligible skaters must join the process by April 6, 2027.
Entities
Canadian Hockey League · Koskie Minsky LLP · Ontario Hockey League · Ontario Superior Court of Justice · Western Hockey League
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The legal action targets the Canadian Hockey League, individual teams, and regional leagues like the OHL or WHL. barrierestarjournal.com · cranbrooktownsman.com · peacearchnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Koskie Minsky LLP stated that claims will be determined via a ‘joinder action’ alongside other players from the same team. barrierestarjournal.com · cranbrooktownsman.com · peacearchnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The deadline for players to join the opt-in process is April 6, 2027. barrierestarjournal.com · cranbrooktownsman.com · peacearchnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Eligible players include those who competed in the WHL or OHL at any time since May 8, 1975. barrierestarjournal.com · cranbrooktownsman.com · peacearchnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Former players from the Western Hockey League or Ontario Hockey League can join a legal opt-in process for abuse claims. barrierestarjournal.com · cranbrooktownsman.com · peacearchnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Ontario Superior Court of Justice ordered an alternative opt-in procedure instead of certifying the litigation as a class action. barrierestarjournal.com · cranbrooktownsman.com · peacearchnews.com