Lawsuit filed citing the NHLPA covered up theft of union funds

The NHLPA is in some HOT water after they have been accused of covering up a theft of more than $100,000 in union funds by one of its executives, according to a lawsuit filed in Ontario Superior Court in Toronto.

These allegations are included in an $8.7 million wrongful dismissal case filed Nov 3 by Allan Etherington, a former employee who worked for the NHLPA from September 10, 2008 until February 13, 2019. Etherington also accuses the union of income tax and insurance fraud.

The NHLPA have named defendants on the case, which include several executives and former player, Mathieu Schneider. The 61-page claim from Etherington have not been proven and neither the NHLPA nor any of its officials have filed a statement of defence.

Etherington is seeking $4 million for general damages, $2.5 million in punitive damages, and additional damages for future income loss and earning capacity.

The NHLPA denied Etherington's claim.

The PA has a well-documented history of internecine fighting and has been in upheaval even in recent months, battling allegations that its top officials ignored opportunities to pursue claims against the NHL over allegedly misreported revenue and stonewalled requests by players for information about union finances.

The saga continues as the NHL, the NHLPA, and the hockey world have taken one on the chin to end 2019.