By Canadian Press

Antitrust lawsuit filed in United States against CHL, leagues

Feb 14, 2024 | 10:34 AM

A new lawsuit alleges Canadian major junior hockey leagues violate antitrust laws in the United States by colluding to restrict the negotiation powers of players.

The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in New York by the North American division of the World Association of Ice Hockey Players Unions.

It alleges players are subject to systemic abuses, including the artificial reduction of compensation and conducting involuntary drafts, where a team can obtain an athlete’s exclusive major junior rights without the presence of a collective bargaining agreement.

The Canadian Hockey League and its three major junior circuits — the Western Hockey League, Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League and Western Hockey League — are named as defendants in the lawsuit. The NHL is also named as a “co-conspirator.”

The allegations have not been tested in court.

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The CHL said in a statement it had only been made aware of the complaint Wednesday, adding the World Association of Ice Hockey Players Unions has not been certified to represent any of the players in its leagues.

“Until we can thoroughly review the document, we are unable to provide comment as to the legitimacy of its contents,” the statement read.

A $30-million settlement between the CHL, its leagues and players seeking back pay for minimum wage was reached in Canada in 2020. But judges in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta refused to sign off on the agreement.

The judges objected to wording in the settlement they said was too broad and could prevent the players from pressing other legitimate claims.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 14, 2024.

The Canadian Press