Class action lawsuit involving several allegations launched against the CHL

There's word Thursday that a class action lawsuit has been launched against the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), the umbrella organization that represents the three Canada-based major junior ice hockey leagues. These are the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Western Hockey League (WHL) and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The lawsuit appears to have been spearheaded by former NHLer Dan Carcillo, who has alleged as a rookie with the Sarnia Sting in 2002-03 he and other rookies were subjected to several forms of severe hazing, calling it the worst year of his life.

"I commenced a class proceeding today against the Canadian Hockey league and its leagues and teams," Carcillo stated on Twitter.

"It is on behalf of underage minors who suffered violent hazing, physical and sexual assault and psychological trauma while playing major junior hockey. I was one of those kids when I played in the OHL. I know there are many more just like me."

"I believe this case will give those who were abused a chance to be heard. In my experience, sharing stories of abuse is part of the healing process. It allows a person to take the power back."

"I also believe this lawsuit will create real positive change in Canadian junior hockey. This type of abuse has nothing to do with the sport and it needs to stop."

The next part of this story contains graphic material not suitable for everyone

Garrett Taylor is also involved in the lawsuit. spent parts of two seasons in the WHL with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the Prince Albert Raiders. A 46-page document filed in Ontario Superior Court in Toronto on Thursday, Carcillo and Taylor described multiple alleged incidents. According the lawsuit, players were, among other things, forced to masturbate in front of teammates and coaches and forced to sexually assault teammates, to consume saliva, urine, semen and feces of other players and to sexually engage with animals. It is also alleged that players had heavy objects tied to their genitals, had their genitals dipped in irritants and toxic liquids and had objects such as hockey sticks, brooms and food forced into their anuses. It is also alleged that players were forced to consume large amounts of alcohol and illicit drugs.

Carcillo, or "Car Bomb" as he was known during his NHL days, has spoken out extensively on hazing, abuse and the need for concussion protection for players in hockey. After winning the Stanley Cup in 2015 with Chicago, Carcillo retired from playing professional hockey and established the 'Chapter 5 Foundation', which is dedicated to helping players who are struggling with post-concussion syndrome, anxiety, or depression.

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