Superior Court authorizes class action against QMJHL junior hockey league

Class Action Lawsuit Authorized for Minors Abused in Quebec Hockey League

On Saturday, the Quebec Superior Court gave the green light for a class action lawsuit aimed at seeking compensation for minors who experienced abuse while participating in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

The primary objective of this legal action is to secure financial restitution for individuals who were subjected to abuse by coaches, players, or any other individuals associated with the minor hockey league.

David Stolow, a lawyer from the Kugler Kandestin firm, revealed that the authorization for the lawsuit was granted earlier this year when player Carl Latulip sought to represent a group of victims. Despite attempts from the defendant to challenge the decision, the appeal was rejected, leading to the filing of the lawsuit in July.

The legal team is now focused on notifying potential class members about the lawsuit. Stolow anticipates that a substantial number of individuals will be eligible to join the legal proceedings.

“It addresses extremely grave and troubling allegations regarding the experiences of minor players in the QMJHL spanning several decades back to 1969. It is crucial for us that these players have access to justice,” stated Stolow.

He clarified that the lawsuit does not seek punitive actions against individuals who may have been both victims and perpetrators of abuse within the system.

“Our stance is crystal clear. They were victims of a flawed system that allowed such misconduct to occur,” emphasized Stolow.

The lawsuit is aiming for $15 million in punitive and exemplary damages, in addition to compensatory damages for aspects like mental anguish, which will be determined in a subsequent phase. Class members will qualify for varying compensation amounts.

Stolow highlighted that the awarded sums are expected to be substantial due to the gravity of the abuse and the lasting impact on the victims’ lives.

Individuals who have suffered abuse have the option to opt out of the class action and may choose to use a pseudonym to maintain their anonymity.

This authorization specifically pertains to the class action initiated by Daniel Carcillo, Garett Taylor, and Stephen Quirk against the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), the QMJHL, the Ontario Junior Hockey League, the Western Junior Hockey League, and their respective teams concerning the systemic abuse of players in these leagues.

Information sourced from CTV News Montreal’s Olivia O’Malley and The Canadian Press.