A class-action lawsuit was recently filed in federal court in New York, challenging the major junior hockey system in North America for violating U.S. antitrust law. The lawsuit, brought by divisions of the World Association of Icehockey Players Unions and two former major junior players, targets the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, and Western Hockey League, which together form the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), as well as the NHL.
The plaintiffs argue that these leagues exploit young players by restricting their ability to choose where they want to play and consequently limiting their compensation. The NHL is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit due to its support and financing of the CHL. The complaint alleges that the NHL and its teams exert significant control over the major junior defendants, thus enabling their alleged conspiracy.
