A former hockey player who claims he suffered sexual abuse while playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (LHJMQ) is seeking to file a class-action lawsuit for more than $15 million against the league and its 18 teams.
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“With the knowledge and acceptance of the adults who had to look after his well-being, he suffered harassment, bullying and sexual, physical and psychological abuse,” we can read in the application filed this Wednesday at the Quebec Palace of Justice.
Carl Latulippe, 45, explains that he played in the QMJHL there from 1994-1996. He says he was abused by veterans on a bus, even though coaches were there, from his first camp with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens after being drafted in the first round.
“The trainers, aware of what was happening, did not stop the abuse, and by their inaction sent the message that abuse was allowed, perpetrators went unpunished and the recruits had no choice but to endure it,” we read in the court document.
“Bear”
Mr Latulippe says he wants to leave the team but said nothing “for fear of being blocked in his future progress.” [dans] He realized his dream of playing in the NHL. However, he was reportedly convinced to return to the team.
“[M. Latulippe] Then it was mentioned that veterans do not behave well towards newcomers, without going into details, we can read in the request. The coach at the time replied that he had to endure this behavior, that it only lasted a year and that it shaped the character.
After his return to the team, the abuse reportedly continued, with veterans even forcing newcomers to “pay them their wages or they risked being beaten up.”
Mr Latulippe was later sold to the Drummondville Voltigeurs where further abuse is said to have taken place.
Traumatized from arenas
“The abuse he suffered had a serious impact on his life,” the court document said. He suffered from various types of sequelae that are common in abuse survivors.”
As examples, he cites being unable to enter an arena or his refusal to let his son play hockey “for fear he would suffer the same abuse.”
Therefore, convinced that he was not the only one who had endured these ordeals, he filed a class action lawsuit against the LHJQM and its 18 teams. The Canadian Hockey League is also being targeted. He is demanding $15 million to be split between members of the group, as well as amounts to be paid individually.
“[Les organisations] jointly and severally liable […] Creating and tolerating a culture of abuse and criminal behavior towards key underage players [sur elles] to ensure their welfare,” Mr Latulippe alleges in the court document.
The motion will soon be submitted to a Quebec Supreme Court judge, who must grant his approval before the class action can proceed.
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