Winnipeg Family Sues Hockey Board Member Over Defamation.
A defamation lawsuit has resulted in a minor hockey player being benched for his season finale after his parents filed legal action against a South Winnipeg Hockey Association (SWHA) board member.
The lawsuit, which names Hiten Shah, vice-president of SWHA, as the defendant, has led to the suspension of the couple and their son from all league activities. This case has ignited strong emotions within the community, and the impact on the family has been severe.
The Defamation Lawsuit
Elena Russo Rusak and Corey Rusak, parents of the young hockey player, filed the defamation lawsuit after receiving a damaging email from Hiten Shah. On December 23, 2023, Shah sent an email to 17 families on the team, alleging that the couple had used inappropriate language and made threats toward a coach after a game on December 14.
Shah’s email accused the couple of misconduct and led to the couple losing their positions as assistant coach and co-manager of the team. The Rusaks argue that the allegations are false and maliciously intended to harm their reputations.
Suspension from Hockey Activities
Following the legal action, the South Winnipeg Hockey Association took immediate steps to suspend the couple and their son from all league-related activities. SWHA president Steve Mason explained that the couple violated a Hockey Manitoba by-law, Section 306(A), which requires individuals to exhaust internal appeal processes before filing legal action.
Despite understanding the difficult nature of the decision, Mason stated that the suspension of both the parents and their son was necessary to protect the integrity of the league and its volunteers.
Emotional Impact
The legal dispute has taken a significant emotional toll on the Rusak family. Elena Russo Rusak expressed that it was "heartbreaking on so many levels," especially for their son, who was benched for his last playoff game.
She described the emotional distress the family has faced, with their son now isolated from his team and left to play video games alone. Elena and Corey Rusak argue that their son, who has no part in the dispute, has been unfairly penalized and that this situation has deeply impacted his love for the sport.
Defamation and Reputation Damage
The parents claim that Shah’s email defamed their character and damaged their reputation both within the hockey community and beyond. They argue that the accusations in the email, which were sent to many team families, have caused irreparable damage to their moral and professional standing.
The couple is seeking an apology and financial damages, although the amount has not been specified. Their lawyer, Dave Hill, argues that while the SWHA may have wanted an internal appeal process to be completed before any legal action, the case centers on the defamatory remarks made by Shah.
A Potential Change for Family
While Elena and Corey Rusak consider their next steps in the lawsuit, they are also contemplating moving to a different hockey association for their son to continue playing. The couple expressed frustration with the situation, as they feel they cannot trust the SWHA anymore.
The family is also considering relocating to a different catchment area to ensure their son’s participation in the sport without the ongoing conflict. The emotional strain of the suspension and the legal battle continues to weigh heavily on the family.
