Report: USHL teams hire anti-trust lawyer in battle to join OHL

After being denied permission to join the OHL in December, it appears two USHL teams aren’t going to go down without a fight.

Famed sports litigator Jeffrey Kessler of Winston & Strawn confirmed to Sportico’s Michael McCann and Scott Soshnick that he has been retained by the Youngstown Phantoms and another team from the USHL.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported in December that the OHL’s aggressive expansion plan hit a hurdle after USA Hockey denied permission for the Phantoms and the Muskegon Lumberjacks to join the league.

“The OHL is willing to accept the teams, USA Hockey has not approved their transfer,” Friedman said. “So it’s kind of in limbo right now. Don’t know yet where it’s going to go.”

Kessler confirmed to Sportico that he is advising two USHL teams on their different options moving forward, including possible legal actions if they are still denied permission to join the OHL.

Sportico reported that in February, Kessler was the one who filed an antitrust lawsuit on behalf of 23XI Racing against NASCAR. And so far, Kessler seems to be winning the battle.

The move to bring in Kessler comes at a turbulent time in junior hockey after the NCAA’s decision to allow CHL players to play college hockey starting next season.

Since that NCAA change earlier this season, the USHL has lost some of its top players to CHL teams as they’re now free to maintain their U.S. college eligibility.

Muskegon, Mich., and Youngstown, Ohio, if ever allowed to join the OHL, would give the league five teams in the United States.

The OHL currently has the Saginaw Spirit and Flint Firebirds in Michigan and the Erie Otters in Pennsylvania.