Woman files $3.75m lawsuit against Spitfires, OHL, CHL for alleged 1984 sex assault

(Source: Windsor Spitfires/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Warning: This article contains sexual assault allegations. Reader’s discretion is advised.

A woman has filed a lawsuit in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, alleging a 1984 sexual assault by former Windsor Spitfires players at a team party.

The plaintiff, identified in court documents as “Jane Doe,” claims she was incapacitated and assaulted at the home of a billet family and is suing the Spitfires, the Ontario Hockey League, the Canadian Hockey League and four unnamed former Windsor players for damages totalling $3.75 million.

The lawsuit, filed Tuesday and first reported by TSN’s Rick Westhead, accuses the leagues of fostering a “toxic environment” and failing to protect the plaintiff, and alleges they ignored past reports of sexual misconduct.

The lawsuit details allegations of multiple players sexually assaulting the plaintiff while she was unconscious and alleges the leagues failed to properly supervise players and ignored complaints of past sexual assault. None of the allegations have been tested in court.

The plaintiff, who was born in 1965, is claiming damages for pain, suffering, and lost income.

The Windsor Spitfires, OHL, and CHL declined to comment, stating they have not been formally served with a statement of claim.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2025.