NHL Central

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman told reporters Monday he has apologized to Kyle Beach after the former player publicly spoke about his alleged sexual assault by a Chicago Blackhawks video coach.

"We could not be more sorry for the trauma that Kyle has had to endure," Bettman said. 

The commissioner added what the two talked about during their recent meeting:

Gary Bettman said he told Kyle Beach, "I am sorry for what he has been through," and that he found him courageous. Said "we discussed a path forward with him" and "offered to him and his family our resources and counseling."

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) November 1, 2021

Bettman met with Beach on Saturday to discuss how to better protect players going forward, per Jay Cohen of the Associated Press.

Beach was a first-round pick of the 2008 NHL draft and practiced with the Blackhawks during the 2009-10 season. In May 2010, Beach said then-video coach Brad Aldrich sexually assaulted him.

Though the allegations were initially made under a John Doe pseudonym, Beach came forward last Wednesday in an interview with Rick Westhead of TSN.

A report by Jenner & Block LLP determined senior administrators within the Blackhawks organization knew of the allegations but took no action for several weeks. Aldrich was eventually given an option to resign.

In 2014, Aldrich was sentenced to jail on a fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct charge for assaulting a high school student. 

Bettman was asked about the situation Monday but didn't offer much of an answer:

Gary Bettman asked if he'd pledge to make counseling available to the Michigan teen who was sexually assaulted by Brad Aldrich in 2013; Bettman said he'd need "to know more" about the situation. Aldrich was convicted of criminal sexual conduct of MI teen in 2014.

— Katie Strang (@KatieJStrang) November 1, 2021

It was one of several criticisms during the press conference:

In all my years involved in the sports business, I have never seen a more disastrous press conference by a league commissioner.

— Allan Walsh🏒 (@walsha) November 1, 2021

The league has still not given Rick a question, and kudos to @PierreVLeBrun for raising it as part of his question https://t.co/8BN9TRBqFZ

— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) November 1, 2021

The NHL fined the Blackhawks $2 million following the investigation for what Bettman called "inadequate internal procedures and insufficient and untimely response in the handling of matters."

Stan Bowman was also removed as the team's president of hockey operations and general manager while Joel Quenneville, who was Chicago's head coach at the time, resigned as head coach of the Florida Panthers. 

Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, who was an assistant general manager with the Blackhawks in 2010, was not punished following an investigation. 

The NHL announced Friday it will not punish Kevin Cheveldayoff after an investigation found him not responsible for the improper decisions made within the Chicago Blackhawks organization in 2010.

The current Winnipeg Jets general manager was an assistant GM for the Blackhawks during the 2009-10 season when former player Kyle Beach alleged video coach Brad Aldrich sexually assaulted him.

Commissioner Gary Bettman met with Cheveldayoff on Friday and determined he was not responsible for the mishandling of the situation:

While on some level, it would be easiest to paint everyone with any association to this terrible matter with the same broad brush, I believe that fundamental fairness requires a more in-depth analysis of the role of each person. Kevin Cheveldayoff was not a member of the Blackhawks senior leadership team in 2010, and I cannot, therefore, assign to him responsibility for the Club’s actions, or inactions. He provided a full account of his degree of involvement in the matter, which was limited exclusively to his attendance at a single meeting, and I found him to be extremely forthcoming and credible in our discussion.

The investigation stated Cheveldayoff was part of the May 2010 meeting with senior staff that discussed the sexual assault allegation, but it added he was the "lowest ranking Club official in the room."

The May 2010 meeting to discuss the allegations featured general manager Stan Bowman, senior vice president of hockey operations Al MacIsaac, CEO John McDonough, head coach Joel Quenneville and other senior staff, per NBC Sports Chicago. 

There was no action taken for three weeks following the meeting before human resources was contacted in June. 

Aldrich remained part of the organization and celebrated the team winning the Stanley Cup. He was later given the option to resign. After signing a separation agreement, no investigation into the matter was conducted. He earned a severance and a playoff bonus.

Cheveldayoff spent one more season with the Blackhawks before being named Jets general manager in 2011, but the investigation determined he was "without authority" to make an appropriate decision regarding Aldrich at the time.   

Chicago Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz wrote a letter to Hockey Hall of Fame chairman Lanny MacDonald asking him to remove the name of former Hawks video coach Brad Aldrich from the team's 2010 Stanley Cup championship.

ESPN's Emily Kaplan reported the news Friday in the wake of the release of a report into the Blackhawks' handling of sexual assault allegations made by former player Kyle Beach against Aldrich in 2010.

The Hall of Fame issued a statement saying the request is "appropriate" and that there will be "further dialogue."  

Hockey Hall of Fame statement on removing Brad Aldrich from the Stanley Cup: pic.twitter.com/DYNmFMJTDF

— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) October 29, 2021

On Tuesday, the Blackhawks announced the results of an independent investigation by the Jenner & Block law firm into the organization's handling of the allegations brought against Aldrich during the team's 2010 playoff run.

It is clear the organization and its executives at that time did not live up to our own standards or values in handling these disturbing incidents. We deeply regret the harm caused to John Doe and the other individuals who were affected and the failure to promptly respond. As an organization, we extend our profound apologies to the individuals who suffered from these experiences. We must—and will—do better.

Beach revealed himself as John Doe in an interview with TSN's Rick Westhead on Wednesday.

The former Blackhawks prospect told TSN (h/t Kaplan) he reported Aldrich's actions to James Gary, the team's mental skills coach at the time, and the lack of response after the allegations reached key members of the franchise had a deep impact on him:

I reported this and I was made aware that it made it all the way up the chain of command by Doc Gary, and nothing happened. It was like his life was the same as the day before. Same every day. And then when they won, to see him paraded around lifting the Cup, at the parade, at the team pictures, at celebrations, it made me feel like nothing.

It made me feel like I didn't exist. It made me feel like, that I wasn't important and ... it made me feel like he was in the right and I was wrong. And that's also what Doc Gary told me, that it was my fault because I put myself in that situation. And the combination of these and him being paraded around, then letting him take the Stanley Cup to a high school with kids after they knew what had happened.

The Jenner & Block review determined there was a meeting between several high-ranking members of the organization to discuss the situation amid the postseason, but no action was taken as the team went on to win the 2010 Stanley Cup.

Aldrich was let go during the subsequent offseason without police being notified of the allegations. In 2014, he was sentenced to nine months in jail for fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct after sexually assaulting a student while working as a volunteer hockey coach at a Michigan high school.

Court documents filed as part of two lawsuits brought against the Blackhawks allege the team gave Aldrich the "most positive reference available" for future jobs after he was let go.

Chicago president of hockey operations Stan Bowman and senior director of hockey administration Al MacIsaac exited the organization after the report went public. There are no executives from the 2010 team still in the team's front office following their departures.

On Thursday, Florida Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville, the Hawks' coach in 2010, resigned from his position after a meeting with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

Potentially removing Aldrich's name from the Cup is one of the issues unresolved in the days since the report was released.

Former Chicago Blackhawks player Kyle Beach thanked those who provided him with "endless love and support" after he revealed he was the "John Doe" who said former video coach Brad Aldrich sexually assaulted him in 2010.

Beach released a statement Thursday that read in part: "Although the results of the private investigation have been released, and the Blackhawks have apologized, my battle is really just beginning as the Blackhawks continue to attempt to destroy my case in court."

pic.twitter.com/XkWRWaLnBE

— Kyle Beach (@KBeachy12) October 28, 2021

Beach revealed himself as the player during an interview with Rick Westhead of TSN.

"The only way I can describe it is that I felt sick," Beach said when discussing the reality that Aldrich remained with the organization. "I felt sick to my stomach. I reported this and I was made aware that it made it all the way up the chain of command ... and nothing happened. It was like his life was the same as it was the day before."

He also said he was "scared" and "fearful" in part because he "had my career threatened."

The NHL announced it fined the Blackhawks $2 million after the investigation conducted by the law firm of Jenner & Block ended.

General manager Stan Bowman and senior vice president of hockey operations Al MacIsaac resigned, and the organization released a statement saying team officials "did not live up to our own standards or values in handling these disturbing incidents."

Reid Schar, who is a partner at Jenner & Block, said Chicago's senior executives were aware of the allegations on May 23, 2010, but did not take action until after the team's run to the Stanley Cup title.

"The decision to take no action from May 23rd to June 14th had consequences," he said while saying Aldrich also made sexual advances on a Blackhawks intern.

Chicago released another statement following Beach's interview with Westhead that praised him for coming forward and noted "it was inexcusable for the then-executives of the Blackhawks organization to delay taking action regarding the reported sexual misconduct. No playoff game or championship is more important than protecting our players and staff from predatory behavior."

A statement from the Chicago Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/x1XbMXDiyA

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 27, 2021

NBC Chicago reported Beach filed a lawsuit against the organization this year, although the Blackhawks have filed motions to dismiss it.       

NHLPA Executive Director Donald Fehr released a statement Wednesday following professional hockey player Kyle Beach's interview with TSN:

Kyle Beach, John Doe in the Blackhawks investigation, talks to @rwesthead about how his NHL experience 'changed forever,’ his reaction to the findings, and support for other victims of sexual assault.

VIDEO: https://t.co/hVG7ZYiY1d pic.twitter.com/vcQYxINOX8

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 27, 2021

Fehr wrote:

Kyle Beach has been through a horrific experience and has shown true courage in telling his story. There is no doubt that the system failed to support him in his time of need, and we are part of that system.

In his media interview, Mr. Beach stated that several months after the incident he told someone at the NHLPA the details of what happened to him. He is referring to one of the program doctors with the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. While this program is confidential between players and the doctors, the grave nature of this incident should have resulted in further action on our part. The fact that it did not was a serious failure. I am truly sorry, and I am committed to making changes to ensure it does not happen again.

Beach said he was sexually assaulted by former Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich in 2010 and that the team, NHL and NHLPA did not act appropriately in response.

Attorney Reid J. Schar led an independent investigation conducted by private firm Jenner & Block into the allegations as well as the team's response, releasing a public report.

Of note, Schar states the following on the Blackhawks: "What is clear is that, after being informed of Aldrich's alleged sexual harassment and misconduct with a player, no action was taken for three weeks."

Aldrich was also allowed to resign from his position and continue working in hockey without the police being notified of the allegations against him. He was later convicted of having sexual contact with a high school hockey player and served nine months in jail.

Beach also condemned the NHL and NHLPA for not protecting him, calling out Fehr in particular.

"For him to turn his back on the players when his one job is to protect the players at all costs," Beach said. "I don't know how that can be your leader."

Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman resigned following the report, as did Al MacIsaac, the team's senior vice president of hockey operations. The league fined Chicago $2 million for "inadequate procedures and mishandling of the 2010 matter related to the conduct of former video coach Brad Aldrich."

Kyle Beach revealed he was the John Doe who said former Chicago Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich sexually assault him.

The 31-year-old spoke with TSN's Rick Westhead in a lengthy interview Wednesday:

Kyle Beach, to TSN, while fighting back tears:

"I was scared, mostly. I was fearful. I had had my career threatened. I felt alone, and dark...

"I felt like I was alone, and there was nothing I could do, and nobody I could turn to for help, and I didn't know what to do."

— Rick Gregg (@rickgregg) October 27, 2021

Kyle Beach: "I did what I thought I had to do to survive, to continue chasing my dream, and that was to not think about it, to not talk about it, to ignore it... My career was on the line, and if I had that in my head, there was no way I was going to be able to perform."

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) October 27, 2021

Beach said his mother "cried for days" after he first told her of the assault.

"She felt responsible. She felt like she should have protected me and there was nothing she could do," he said. "And after that first conversation with them, we never spoke about it again until very recently. I never brought it up and they respected my privacy."

Beach also said to Westhead how he "suppressed this memory and buried this memory to chase my dreams and pursue the career that I loved."

Westhead first reported in June that skills coach Paul Vincent approached high-ranking officials within the organization in May 2010 to say that two players had told him that a video coach had sexually assaulted them.

Vincent suggested the team forward the allegations to Chicago police, but the officials refused to follow through on the suggestion.

Beach spoke highly of Vincent and told Westhead he "tried to do everything he could back then."

"It's men like him that make hockey great," Beach said.

Aldrich remained with the Blackhawks through the 2009-10 season and partook in the team's on-ice ceremony after winning a Stanley Cup.

"The only way I can describe it is that I felt sick," Beach said of Aldrich continuing to work within the organization. "I felt sick to my stomach. I reported this and I was made aware that it made it all the way up the chain of command ... and nothing happened. It was like his life was the same as it was the day before."

Beach said witnessing the Cup celebrations in particular "made me feel like nothing."

Joel Quenneville was in his second season as Chicago's head coach when Beach made the allegations. The 63-year-old, who's now coaching the Florida Panthers, said in July he was first alerted to the situation through the various media reports.

Beach questioned that timeline, recalling seeing meetings in Quenneville's office after he spoke to mental skills coach James Gary about what Aldrich allegedly did.

The NHL announced Tuesday it fined the Blackhawks $2 million following the completion of an investigation by the law firm of Jenner & Block. The organization also released a statement saying team officials "did not live up to our own standards or values in handling these disturbing incidents."

After the interview, the Blackhawks released another statement:

A statement from the Chicago Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/x1XbMXDiyA

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 27, 2021

In addition to the fine, general manager Stan Bowman and senior vice president of hockey operations Al MacIsaac resigned from their posts.

Watching the NHL's investigation draw to a conclusion brought Beach some level of solace.

"I'm just so relieved with the news that came out yesterday, that I've been vindicated, and I can truly begin the healing process," he said to Westhead.

Though the Chicago Blackhawks said they plan to reach a settlement with the plaintiffs in lawsuits over the team's handling of sexual assault allegations against former assistant coach Brad Aldrich, the club still filed a motion to dismiss the suits on Tuesday.

The Blackhawks said the filing to dismiss was procedural to meet a legal deadline, per Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Investigators released findings of an investigation into the Blackhawks' handling of sexual assault allegations made against Aldrich in 2010 on Tuesday. The investigation found that the team failed "to promptly and thoroughly investigate" the allegations, violating its own policy on sexual harassment, and allowed Aldrich to continue working with the team, providing opportunities for further misconduct.

The Blackhawks were fined $2 million by the NHL for "inadequate internal procedures and insufficient and untimely response in the handling of matters" related to allegations made against Aldrich, who was later sentenced to nine months in jail for a separate sexual assault of a high school student.

A former Blackhawks player filed a lawsuit against the club earlier this year detailing sexual assaults perpetrated by Aldrich on himself and another player. Team president Stan Bowman, who was with the club during the 2010 season, resigned and the Blackhawks released a statement apologizing for their inaction. 

"It is clear the organization and its executives at that time did not live up to our own standards or values in handling these disturbing incidents," the Blackhawks said in a statement. "We deeply regret the harm caused to John Doe and the other individuals who were affected and the failure to promptly respond. As an organization, we extend our profound apologies to the individuals who suffered from these experiences. We must‚and will—do better."

The investigation found no evidence current members of management who were not with the team in 2010 were aware of any of the allegations. 

When the Chicago Blackhawks failed to report allegations of sexual abuse by one of their own coaches during their Stanley Cup run in 2010, they sent a message that winning is more important than anything else. 

It's more important than the safety and well-being of their own players. 

It's more important than preventing sexual assault. 

It's more important than holding sexual predators accountable for their abhorrent actions and more important than holding those who enable the assault accountable for theirs as well. 

The Blackhawks got one thing right by commissioning an independent investigation by Chicago-based law firm Jenner & Block into the allegations in a lawsuit by one of their former players and a former Michigan high school player. The suit alleged that former video coach Brad Aldrich sexually assaulted John Doe 1 during the team's 2010 Stanley Cup run, and John Doe 2 while he was a high school student in Aldrich's hometown of Houghton, Michigan. 

Everything else, they got wrong. 

The evidence was damning. It will have far-reaching effects throughout the NHL. Two dominoes already fell, with vice president of hockey operations Al MacIsaac and general manager Stan Bowman resigning so as not to be a "distraction" to the team moving forward.

Using the word "distraction" in this situation minimizes the severity of what transpired and makes it seem as though it's just a minor inconvenience. But sexual assault is a horrific crime, and for the Blackhawks and Bowman to deem it as anything else shows a shocking lack of empathy and should disqualify him and everyone else involved from ever working in the sport again.

The club's senior management knew about the John Doe 1's allegation and failed to report it for three weeks, waiting until after the Stanley Cup Final, to not "disturb team chemistry" and avoid any potential detriment to its playoff success.

Aldrich continued working during the Cup Final. He celebrated with the Cup, and his name was etched on the trophy. He brought the Cup back to his hometown and he attended the banner-raising ceremony the following season, even though he had resigned from his post. 

For some reason, the club allowed Aldrich to resign following that 2010 championship run. He had a choice: Take a leave of absence while the club investigated or resign. He chose the latter.

The club quietly allowed him to leave without any sort or punishment. They never reported it to law enforcement, as former skating coach Paul Vincent asked them to do. They never reported it to the NHL, they never reported it to any of the other organizations he worked for. 

The Blackhawks quietly covered everything up and dismissed his actions as if they never happened. Their actions—or maybe their inactions—speak louder than words. As a result, the words they told the public Tuesday when they made the findings of the investigation public were hollow, at best.

"This organization, beginning with the Wirtz family, has been extraordinarily good to my family and to me. That is why today, after discussions with Rocky and Danny, I have decided to step aside," Bowman said in a statement. "The team needs to focus on its future, and my continued participation would be a distraction. I think too much of this organization to let that happen."

Aldrich claimed multiple victims through a pattern of harassment and abuse throughout the years the Blackhawks employed him. He was then allowed to go on to work in paid and unpaid positions with USA Hockey, Miami University (Ohio) and Houghton High School until 2013, when he was arrested and charged with third- and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct involving John Doe 2. He was later sentenced to serve nine months in jail and five years of probation. 

Does this sound like a guy who deserved to be congratulated for winning a Stanley Cup? Joel Quenneville, now the coach of the Florida Panthers, sure thought so when he gave Aldrich a glowing performance review after John Doe 1's allegation. All of these organizations are going to have to answer for why members of the Blackhawks' front office were never consulted when they hired Aldrich, but the Blackhawks have to answer for much more. 

Aldrich weaponized his power by emphasizing his role as a trusted confidant of the coaching staff. He allegedly threatened to derail John Doe 1's career. He also used an actual weapon—a miniature souvenir baseball bat—to threaten John Doe 1 physically. 

The report also stated Aldrich made unwanted sexual advances to a 22-year-old Blackhawks front office intern after a Stanley Cup celebration. The intern did not report anything to management because he wanted to continue working in hockey and recognized that Aldrich, whose father worked for the San Jose Sharks, could make or break those career plans. 

To make matters worse, the unwanted "groping" and asking "in a suggestive manner, if the employee wanted to go upstairs" came well after John Doe 1 and Vincent had reported the abuse to a senior management group that was comprised of Bowman, MacIsaac, Quenneville, former team president John McDonough and former assistant general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, now the GM of the Winnipeg Jets. 

"Bowman recalled that during the meeting, McDonough and Quenneville made comments about the challenge of getting to the Stanley Cup Finals and a desire to focus on the team and the playoffs," the report said. "Several years later, MacIsaac, in discussing the situation between Aldrich and John Doe with another Blackhawks employee, stated that McDonough did not want any negative publicity during the Stanley Cup Finals."

All of this for a shiny trophy and a banner. It sounds kind of silly when you boil it down to that, right? After all, it's extremely difficult to get to a Stanley Cup Final and people play for years just for a chance to try to hoist that 35.5-pound trophy. 

But it's inhumane to think that a trophy is worth more than a life. The lives of John Doe 1 and John Doe 2 will never be the same. What was taken from them can never be returned. For Bowman, McDonagh, MacIsaac, Quenneville and Cheveldayoff to collectively agree that this was a mere "distraction" sends the message that you can get away with bad things if you win. 

They aren't the first to send this message. Sports culture is broken, and those who have the power to fix it don't seem to have much interest in doing so. 

The investigation found that Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz and his son, CEO Danny Wirtz, were not aware of the allegations. But the two still handled this poorly in their decision to allow Bowman to resign. The same goes for Team USA. It was a spineless decision by both organizations. Bowman's actions were inexcusable. He should have been fired.

Team USA's assistant general manager is Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin, who is currently under investigation by SafeSport for allegations of mishandling an unrelated sexual assault allegation. Where does it end? 

The Jets and Panthers should fire Cheveldayoff and Quenneville as well, or at the very least suspend them until commissioner Gary Bettman meets with them. Cheveldayoff has continually said that he was not aware of the allegations, and we now know that to be false.

Shame, too, on the NHL for levying what is essentially a wrist-slap of a punishment. The New Jersey Devils had to pay $1 million more for circumventing the salary cap with Ilya Kovalchuk's contract (the league later returned half the fine). The Arizona Coyotes were stripped of a first-round pick this year because of draft combine testing violations. 

The dynasty created under the direction of Bowman and Quenneville has had its legacy tarnished. Every time Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith take the ice, people will be wondering what they knew. I know I will. 

John Doe 1 told TSN's Rick Westhead that he hoped to inspire other victims to come forward with their own stories of abuse. But the responses by the NHL and the Blackhawks show that hockey still isn't ready to believe victims. It still isn't ready to admit that some things are more important than winning a Stanley Cup. 

Don't distract them, they're trying to win. 

Winning at all costs might be the prevailing mentality, but it's the wrong one. Sexual abuse should not be a cost anyone has to pay in order for a hockey team to win a title.

Stan Bowman is no longer the general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks or USA Hockey.

USA Hockey announced Bowman stepped down as the general manager of the 2022 Olympic men's hockey team Tuesday after resigning from his position with the Blackhawks as well.

"In light of what's happened today, I think it's in the best interests of USA Hockey for me to step aside," Bowman said. "I'm grateful to have been selected and wish our team the very best in Beijing."

This comes after the Blackhawks released the results of law firm Jenner & Block's investigation into the sexual assault allegations against former video coach Brad Aldrich. A former Chicago player said Aldrich sexually assaulted him in 2010.

Bowman and senior vice president of hockey operations Al MacIsaac resigned following the investigation.

Reid Schar, who is a partner at Jenner & Block, attended Tuesday's press conference and said senior leaders within the Chicago organization were made aware of the allegations on May 23 but decided not to take action until after the team's run to the Stanley Cup title.

"The decision to take no action from May 23rd to June 14th had consequences," he said while revealing Aldrich also made sexual advances on an intern with the team.

The NHL announced it fined the Blackhawks $2 million with $1 million going to "fund local organizations in and around Chicago community that provide counseling and training for, and support and assistance to, survivors of sexual and other forms of abuse."

Bowman released a statement and seemed to deflect some of the blame when he said, in part, "I relied on the direction of my superior that he would take appropriate action. Looking back, now knowing he did not handle the matter promptly, I regret assuming he would do so."             

Stan Bowman issued a statement on his resignation from the Blackhawks, which said in part: "I relied on the direction of my superior that he would take appropriate action. Looking back, now knowing he did not handle the matter promptly, I regret assuming he would do so." pic.twitter.com/U5d4ylvd8X

— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) October 26, 2021

The Blackhawks wrote a letter to their fans that included the following section:

It is clear the organization and its executives at that time did not live up to our own standards or values in handling these disturbing incidents. We deeply regret the harm caused to John Doe and the other individuals who were affected and the failure to promptly respond. As an organization, we extend our profound apologies to the individuals who suffered from these experiences. We must -- and will -- do better.

In March, USA Hockey announced Bowman would be the general manager of the 2022 Olympic team. He had also been with the U.S. Men's National Team Advisory Group since 2012 and had input in player and coaching decisions.              

On Tuesday, the law firm Jenner & Block and the Chicago Blackhawks revealed the results of their investigation into 2010 sexual assault allegations made by a former player against then-video coach Brad Aldrich.

Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz, team CEO Danny Wirtz and Reid Schar, a partner at Jenner & Block and a former U.S. prosecutor, attended the press conference.

As a result of the investigation, general manager and president of hockey operations Stan Bowman and senior vice president of hockey operations Al MacIsaac each resigned:

Schar says Blackhawks officials held a May 23, 2010, meeting to discuss the allegations of sexual assault. Those present included John McDonough, Stan Bowman, Joel Quenneville, Jay Blunk and Kevin Cheveldayoff, Schar said.

— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) October 26, 2021

Stan Bowman has resigned from the Blackhawks.

— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) October 26, 2021

Reid Schar said John McDonough and the Blackhawks' senior leaders were informed of allegations on May 23 but took no action until after the Stanley Cup: "The decision to take no action from May 23rd to June 14th had consequences."

— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) October 26, 2021

Kyle Davidson takes over as interim Hawks GM.
A search will commence for a new GM

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) October 26, 2021

NHL press release says Gary Bettman will meet in the near future with Quenneville and Cheveldayoff and will "reserve judgement on next steps, if any, with respect to them."

— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) October 26, 2021

Bowman, who has served as the team's general manager since July 2009, released the following statement Tuesday:

Stan Bowman issued a statement on his resignation from the Blackhawks, which said in part: "I relied on the direction of my superior that he would take appropriate action. Looking back, now knowing he did not handle the matter promptly, I regret assuming he would do so." pic.twitter.com/U5d4ylvd8X

— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) October 26, 2021

He is also stepping down from his duties with USA Hockey:

Stan Bowman has stepped down as GM of the 2022 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team.

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) October 26, 2021

The NHL has fined the Blackhawks $2 million for "inadequate procedures and mishandling of 2010 matter related to conduct of former video coach Brad Aldrich," with $1 million going to fund Chicago organizations that provide support to those who have been abused:

$1 million of the fine money will be dedicated to "fund local organizations in and around Chicago community that provide counseling and training for, and support and assistance to, survivors of sexual and other forms of abuse."

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) October 26, 2021

"It is clear the organization and its executives at that time did not live up to our own standards or values in handling these disturbing incidents," the Blackhawks wrote in a statement. "We deeply regret the harm caused to John Doe and the other individuals who were affected and the failure to promptly respond. As an organization, we extend our profound apologies to the individuals who suffered from these experiences. We must—and will—do better." 

The Blackhawks were sued in May after a former player accused Aldrich of sexual assault in 2010, with the lawsuit adding that "Hawks management covered up the assault while quietly firing [Aldrich] that summer," per Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times. 

A second lawsuit accused the Blackhawks of providing "recommendation letters for Aldrich to his future employers, including Miami University and later Houghton (Michigan) High School, where he assaulted a 16-year-old member of the boy’s hockey team."

An investigation into Aldrich's time as a coach at Miami (Ohio) University found that he sexually assaulted a hockey camp intern and an undergraduate student in 2012 after he resigned from the Blackhawks.