LCH: Judge dismisses class action claim filed by former players

BET À DAY

An Ontario Superior Court judge has dismissed a class action lawsuit filed in 2020 by former Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players. < /p>

This initiative by Daniel Carcillo, Garrett Taylor and Stephen Quirk denounced a climate of intimidation and abuse within the organization that oversees the three main Canadian junior circuits, namely the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (LHJMQ), the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and the Western Hockey League (WHL).

According to TSN journalist Rick Westhead, Judge Paul Perell dismissed the appeal, claiming that 'he was not suited to the complaint of ex-athletes.

“A hockey player who is the victim of abuse can sue the team and the league he was part of. However, [the QMJHL, OHL, WHL and the 60 clubs that make up the CHL] are separate and independent legal entities with their own governance structures,” the magistrate said in a 103-page report.

The judge gave the example of Carcillo, who played with the Sarnia Sting and the Mississauga IceDogs in the OHL. He can sue these organizations, but his complaint would not concern the WHL and the LHJMQ, because he did not evolve in these circuits.

However, the judge was keen to acknowledge the courage of the former CHL skaters and he is well aware of the abuses that plague junior hockey.

“Bullying, harassment, initiations and conduct are ubiquitous among the teams of the WHL, OHL and the LHJMQ,” added Judge Perrell.

For its part, the CHL mentioned that it takes the well-being of its players to heart. She is also happy to see this situation come to an end.

“The CHL is committed to the health and safety of its players, and we take seriously the allegations and behaviors that go to contrary to this commitment. […] However, we are pleased that the court accepted our view that a class action lawsuit was not the appropriate action,” CHL President Dan McKenzie wrote in a statement sent to TSN.

Attorney for the plaintiffs has yet to say whether his clients wish to appeal the decision.