“We are deeply troubled by the allegations in the recently announced class action, many of which are historic in nature and we believe are not indicative of the leading experience our players receive in the CHL today. Regardless of the timing, we are taking the claims very seriously as the protection of our players has been and will always be out primary concern.”

The CHL said it and its member leagues have made a number of advancements to enhance its player experience programs over the past two decades. The league said it has been working with organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association, Canadian Red Cross and Respect in Sport, “to develop extensive policies and practices to educate players and team staff on the importance of respect and prevention of hazing, abuse, harassment and bullying”.

“Throughout the leagues we have worked to ensure there is a zero tolerance for violations of our rules and policies for both the team and players. We believe these programs protect our players and ensure that everyone associated with our teams understand that the type of misconduct alleged is not tolerated,” the CHL stated.

The league said it wants to ensure that it provides the safest environment to protect players.

The league also announced that its Board of Directors has appointed an Independent Review Panel to thoroughly review current policies and practices in the WHL, OHL and QMJHL that relate to hazing, abuse, harassment and bullying, as well as the allegation that players do not feel comfortable reporting behaviours that contravene these policies.

A chair of that panel will be announced in the coming weeks. The CHL said the goal is to have the review process completed in time for the start of the 2020-2021 season.

“We welcome the findings of the Independent Review Panel to ensure we are providing the safest player experience in hockey and amateur sport,” the league stated.

The CHL is reminding players of the training that is provided on player conduct and safety and the league is encouraging players to access established complaint procedures related to hazing, abuse, harassment and bullying.

“The existing procedures to raise a complaint without fear of reprisal include advising your Coach, General Manager, Police Liaison, Player Liaison or Governor/Member or league officials. To the extent that the allegations relate to criminal conduct we encourage those involved to contact the police.”

The full statement can be viewed via the CHL’s website here.

Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan has been charged with common assault, police have said.

Merseyside Police said the 24-year-old full-back had been charged following an incident in Liverpool city centre on Friday.

A force spokesman said: “Merseyside Police can confirm that Jonathan Patrick Flanagan, aged 24, from Cressington in Liverpool has been charged with Section 39 common assault following an incident on Duke Street in Liverpool city centre at around 3.20am on Friday December 22.

“He has been released on conditional police bail and will appear before Liverpool City Magistrates’ Court on January 2 2018.”

Flanagan came through Liverpool’s academy system and made his senior Reds debut in 2011, though he has played just once this season in the Carabao Cup.

The defender, who spent last year on loan with Burnley, has also won one England cap in a warm-up friendly for the 2014 World Cup.

A Liverpool spokesperson said: “The club has been made aware of an alleged incident involving a member of the first team playing squad. We will be making no further comment on the matter while the process is ongoing with the relevant authorities.”

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