Windsor Spitfires, CHL, OHL call lawsuit alleging sexual assault by 4 players 'very serious'

WARNING: This article references sexual assault and may affect those who have experienced​ ​​​sexual violence or know someone impacted by it.

The Windsor Spitfires, Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Canadian Hockey League (CHL) have received a statement of claim outlining what they call "very serious allegations" of a sexual assault by four unnamed players in the spring of 1984

The lawsuit, involving a plaintiff referred to as Jane Doe in the lawsuit, came to light last week and is seeking $3.75 million in damages.

CBC News has obtained the court filing claiming a sexual assault happened at an end-of-season team party in the spring of 1984 at a Tecumseh billet house while the family was away.

OHL communications director Josh Sweetland said both leagues have been served with the statement of claim. On Tuesday afternoon, the Spitfires released a statement echoing the CHL and OHL comments.

"These are very serious allegations, and we encourage the victim to reach out to police," the statements said.

"It takes tremendous courage for victims of sexual assault to speak, and we would always support police efforts to seek justice and hold perpetrators to account."

The statements also note that for "more than a decade," OHL teams have been educated on their responsibility to demonstrate respect for women through the the league's ONSIDE Program.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for pain, suffering and lost income.

None of the allegations have been tested in court.

According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff drove her car to the house and did not willingly "consume much, if any" alcohol or drugs. However, it said, she had no memory of the what happened that night.

The document claims that when she awoke, she was naked, unable to move