The Chicago Blackhawks have published their independent report regarding allegations brought by former player John Doe against former coach Brad Aldrich.
The report was made public on October 26th, 2021, following months of independent investigation in response to two lawsuits filed against the franchise.
Stan Bowman has stepped down from his role as the club’s president of hockey operations and general manager.
Chicago Blackhawks publish investigation report
On Tuesday, October 26th, the Chicago Blackhawks have made an investigation report public after allegations of sexual assault by a former player during the 2010 season.
According to the investigation, conducted by Jenner & Block Law Firm, and as reported by AP News, a hockey player called John Doe has alleged that former video coach Brad Aldrich had sexually assaulted him in May 2010.
The former player filed a lawsuit against the club in May this year and is seeking more than $150,000 in damages, NBC Chicago has added in their report.
During the four-month investigation, 139 witnesses were brought, including 21 current and former Blackhawks players.
After the investigation was made public, Stan Bowman stepped down from his role and came forward with a statement.
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Who is John Doe?
John Doe is the name given to the anonymous hockey player who came forward with the allegations against Aldrich.
The player has been described as a 20-year-old at the time who was called during the playoffs to serve as a ‘Black Ace’ for Blackhawks.
The term refers to an extra hockey player brought during the postseason to step in case of another player’s injury or suspension.
Aldrich left the club after the 2009-10 season and received a nine-month prison sentence at the time regarding another assault, NBC Chicago has reported.
John Doe has issued a statement following the investigation (via WGN News).
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Blackhawks issue a statement
Blackhawks CEO Danny Wirtz appeared in a press conference on Tuesday, October 26th to address the allegations.
Lead investigator Reid Schar of Jenner & Block Law Firm said that Danny Wirtz and the club’s Chairman Rocky Wirtz were cleared in the investigation.
“John Doe deserves better from the Blackhawks,” Danny Wirtz said in a statement. “The Blackhawks are a very different organization than we were in 2010. I am confident that this would not be tolerated in our organization today.”
The club has come forward with a letter to their fans and partners which is available on Twitter.
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