Seth Udinski, FISM News
Earlier this week, investigators released findings from a disturbing sexual abuse case involving a former coach for the Chicago Blackhawks, which revealed that team officials did not properly respond to accusations against the coach by former players. The incident happened in the spring of 2010, during Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup Championship run.
In 2010, Brad Aldrich worked on the Blackhawks’ staff as a video coach. According to the report, Aldrich committed sexual assault against multiple anonymous young players for the Blackhawks in May of 2010, in the midst of the team’s playoff run.
The first incident occurred against a young prospect who was only 20 years old at the time. He was called up from the Blackhawks’ minor league system to join the team for the playoffs as an extra reserve. This fact is important when considering the details of Aldrich’s assault.
The report indicates that Aldrich forced himself on this young player and threatened to sabotage his career if he did not participate and keep the incident quiet. Further reports show the coached also threatened the player’s physical safety using a baseball bat. The player filed a lawsuit against the team earlier this year.
Aldrich is currently on the registered sex offender list in Michigan, as he was convicted of another count of sexual abuse in 2013 – this time against a minor.
The team’s president Stan Bowman announced his resignation on Wednesday in light of the scandal. The Blackhawks released a statement of apology on Tuesday, highlighting the organization’s clear failings. It said in part:
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.