(Chicago) A former player in the Chicago Blackhawks organization has alleged in a lawsuit that a former team video coach sexually assaulted him during the 2009-2010 season and that the Blackhawks did not adequately responded to his complaint because they did not want to disrupt their Stanley Cup playoff run.
THE Chicago Tribune reported Sunday that the law firm Romanucci & Blandin filed a lawsuit Thursday on behalf of its client, nicknamed “John Doe” to protect his identity, in a Cook County, Illinois, court.
The newspaper said the player in question was one of several young players recalled from the minor leagues who traveled with the team during the playoffs to be ready to play in case of injuries.
One player in that group was Kyle Beach, who reached a deal with the Blackhawks in December 2021 after accusing then-coach Brad Aldrich of sexual assault.
The lawsuit filed last week raises similar allegations against Aldrich and alleges that the Blackhawks showed “complete indifference and/or negligence for the safety of their employees, including John Doe.”
The Blackhawks, in a statement to Chicago Tribune, declined to comment specifically on this new lawsuit. They said they took allegations of misconduct within the organization seriously and stressed that they had opened an independent investigation into the 2010 events two years ago.
“We have changed as a result of what happened and have implemented many positive improvements throughout our organization to ensure the safety and well-being of our players and employees,” said the team.
“This includes completely rebuilding the leadership team with staff who share our values, an extensive mental health program, as well as new reporting mechanisms and training for all employees. »
The new lawsuit alleges that Aldrich invited the young players to his home to discuss hockey strategy, but then tried to force them to watch pornographic films. Aldrich is accused of offering to perform fellatio on “John Doe” and other inappropriate behavior.
Aldrich allegedly made threats to dissuade the player from reporting him.
In December 2013, Aldrich pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal sexual conduct in a case involving a 16-year-old Michigan high school hockey player. Prosecutors later dropped the charge, and Aldrich was released from prison in 2014.