World Association of Icehockey Players Unions North America Division v…

Background

The National Hockey League and Canadian Hockey League Defendants jointly asked the court to allow redactions to two exhibits attached to the declaration of Martha L. Goodman: the 2022 NHL-CHL Agreement and a 2021 letter concerning an extension of an earlier agreement. The exhibits had been filed on the electronic docket under seal as “Attorneys’ Eyes Only.” The Canadian Hockey League Defendants stated that the proposed redactions covered confidential financial terms and the current agreement’s expiration date. They argued that disclosure could harm the Canadian Hockey League’s business interests, negotiations with third parties, and competitive position. Plaintiffs’ counsel consented to filing the exhibits with redactions.

Court’s Analysis

The court considered the common-law presumption that the public may access judicial documents. It explained that this right is not absolute and must be balanced against competing interests. After examining the exhibits and considering the parties’ representations, the court found that the limited redactions were necessary to protect confidential business information. The court also found that this need outweighed the presumption of public access.

Ruling

Judge Margaret M. Garnett granted the request to redact Exhibits 1 and 3 to the Goodman Declaration. The Clerk of Court was directed to terminate Docket No. 137. The order expressly granted the request to redact; it does not separately state a disposition using the word “sealed” for the request to file the exhibits under seal.