Report: CHL documents contradict stance in lawsuit over wages

Canadian Hockey League employment records, contracts, and U.S. visa application documents reportedly contradict the league's stance in an ongoing class-action lawsuit.

The documents imply, or explicitly state, that CHL clubs treat some of its players as employees, contradicting public statements made by league officials, according to a report by Robert Cribb of the Toronto Star.

A lawsuit filed last week in Quebec alleges the league and its teams conspired to force players into signing contracts that breach minimum-wage laws.

The lawsuit is seeking $180 million in outstanding wages, vacation, holiday and overtime pay, and employer payroll contributions for players given as little as $35 per week despite working the equivalent of full-time hours. It claims the players are employees deserving of minimum wage and benefits.

The allegations have not been proven in court, but several leading employment and tax lawyers told The Star that the league faces an uphill battle trying to defend against the lawsuit.

The CHL has publicly referred to its players as independent contractors and student-athletes rather than employees, despite the contradictory language found in league documents.