CHL civil suit lands in Alberta courts with certification hearing
CALGARY — A civil suit launched by some junior hockey players against the Canadian Hockey League is about to be tested in Alberta.
A hearing to determine if the lawsuit can be certified as a class action is scheduled to start Tuesday in Calgary.
The CHL is the umbrella organization for the Western, Ontario and Quebec major junior hockey leagues. It touts itself as the top development league for the NHL. Players range in age from 16 years old to 20.
The lawsuit, filed in Ontario in 2014, claims players have been paid less than the minimum wage required by law in their regions and asks for $180 million in back wages, overtime and vacation pay, as well as punitive damages.