The CHL forms a panel to deal with abuse after lawsuit filed

TORONTO — The Canadian Hockey League says it is “deeply troubled” by abuse allegations in a class-action lawsuit filed by two of its former players and plans to form a panel to deal with any current issues.

The league released a statement Friday, just over a week after former National Hockey League player Daniel Carcillo and Garrett Taylor, who played in the Western Hockey League from 2008 to ’10, filed a statement of claim with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. A statement from Koskie Minsky LLP, the law firm representing Carcillo and Taylor, said the action “is on behalf of children aged 15-17 who were sexually and physically assaulted, hazed and otherwise abused while away from home and playing for CHL teams.”

The CHL and its three member organizations — the WHL, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League — are listed as defendants, as are all 60 teams that play under the umbrella of the CHL.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

On Thursday, the CHL board of directors agreed to the appointment of an Independent Review Panel to examine current policies and practices that relate to hazing, abuse, harassment and bullying and the allegation that players do not feel comfortable reporting behaviours that contravene the policies.

The CHL will announce a chair of the panel later this summer and the review process is expected to be completed in time for the 2020-21 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 CHL said.