The CHL logo (Courtesy the Canadian Hockey League)

By Justin Goulet

CHL issues statement on class action lawsuit

Jun 26, 2020 | 11:28 AM

TORONTO, ON – The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) has responded to a class action lawsuit against them, which contains allegations of abuse of young athletes playing major junior hockey.

READ MORE: Class action lawsuit launched against CHL, alleging abuse against players

The league said that every year, its charged with the care and safety of the 1,400 young men who play in their member leagues – the Western Hockey League (WHL), the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

“The CHL is committed to ensuring them an environment that is Players First and free of hazing, abuse, harassment and bullying, and that provides zero tolerance for any of these behaviours,” reads the CHL’s statement.

“We are deeply troubled by the allegations in the recently announced class action, many of which are historic in nature and we believe are not indicative of the leading experience our players receive in the CHL today. Regardless of the timing, we are taking the claims very seriously as the protection of our players has been and will always be out primary concern.”

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The CHL said it and its member leagues have made a number of advancements to enhance its player experience programs over the past two decades. The league said it has been working with organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association, Canadian Red Cross and Respect in Sport, “to develop extensive policies and practices to educate players and team staff on the importance of respect and prevention of hazing, abuse, harassment and bullying”.

“Throughout the leagues we have worked to ensure there is a zero tolerance for violations of our rules and policies for both the team and players. We believe these programs protect our players and ensure that everyone associated with our teams understand that the type of misconduct alleged is not tolerated,” the CHL stated.

The league said it wants to ensure that it provides the safest environment to protect players.

The league also announced that its Board of Directors has appointed an Independent Review Panel to thoroughly review current policies and practices in the WHL, OHL and QMJHL that relate to hazing, abuse, harassment and bullying, as well as the allegation that players do not feel comfortable reporting behaviours that contravene these policies.

A chair of that panel will be announced in the coming weeks. The CHL said the goal is to have the review process completed in time for the start of the 2020-2021 season.

“We welcome the findings of the Independent Review Panel to ensure we are providing the safest player experience in hockey and amateur sport,” the league stated.

The CHL is reminding players of the training that is provided on player conduct and safety and the league is encouraging players to access established complaint procedures related to hazing, abuse, harassment and bullying.

“The existing procedures to raise a complaint without fear of reprisal include advising your Coach, General Manager, Police Liaison, Player Liaison or Governor/Member or league officials. To the extent that the allegations relate to criminal conduct we encourage those involved to contact the police.”

The full statement can be viewed via the CHL’s website here.