The newspaper reported that the complainant was a member of the Blackhawks’ “Black Aces” team, made up of minor league players who traveled with the NHL team during the playoffs to fill in in case of injuries.
One of the player’s “Black Aces” teammates was Kyle Beach, who reached a settlement with the Blackhawks in December 2021 after alleging he was sexually assaulted by then-video coach Brad Aldrich.
The lawsuit filed last week raises similar allegations against Aldrich and claims the Blackhawks showed “total indifference and/or conscious disregard for the safety of their employees, including John Doe.”
The Blackhawks, in a statement to the Tribune, declined to comment on the details of the latest lawsuit. They said they took allegations of workplace misconduct seriously and noted that two years ago they launched an investigation independent investigation into the events of 2010.
“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,” the team said . “This includes completely rebuilding the leadership team with staff who demonstrate our values and bring the right expertise in critical areas of compliance and human resources, an extensive mental health program, as well as new reporting mechanisms and training for all employees. »
Attorney Antonio Romanucci told the Tribune the lawsuits are intended to ensure the teams remain accountable.
“We have a specific mission in mind, certainly that the Blackhawks remain accountable for the changes that they promised to put in place regarding the prevention of this sexual abuse,” he said. “But we also want to make sure that every team in the country is made aware that this is not acceptable behavior. Putting winning ahead of the mental health or even the physical health of players is finished. Hard stop.
The lawsuit filed last week alleges that Aldrich invited Black Aces players to his home under the guise of discussing hockey strategy, but then tried to force the players to watch pornographic films with him. Aldrich is accused of offering to perform fellatio on “John Doe,” approaching him from behind and pushing his penis against “Doe’s” back and buttocks through his clothing.
Aldrich allegedly used threats to dissuade the player from reporting Aldrich’s alleged conduct.
Aldrich pleaded guilty in December 2013 to fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in a case involving a 16-year-old Michigan high school hockey player. Prosecutors dropped the charge. Aldrich was released from prison in 2014.
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
