Report: Blackhawks to publicize results of sexual abuse investigation
The Chicago Blackhawks are pledging to reveal the findings of an independent review into the sexual assault allegations against former video coach Brad Aldrich.
"(The Blackhawks will) share results with you, our partners, and our fans and will promptly implement changes to address the findings and shortcomings of our organization," the club's CEO Danny Wirtz wrote in an internal memo that The Athletic's Mark Lazerus obtained.
"I can assure you that we are using this process to engage in the self-reflection necessary to better our organization and ensure that our workplace is safe and inclusive," Wirtz added. "And while we await the results, we will continue a process of self-evaluation."
In May, an unnamed former Blackhawks player sued the organization, claiming Aldrich sexually abused him and a teammate in 2010.
About a month later, Wirtz reportedly said the club had hired a former federal prosecutor to lead an independent review into the allegations against Aldrich and the team's reported unwillingness to inform law enforcement.
Susan Loggans, the lawyer for the player who filed the lawsuit, said in early July that her client wouldn't take part in the independent investigation. She questioned a process that "has been paid for by the Blackhawks" while wondering why she and her client should participate if the results weren't going to be publicized. However, she later said the player would be open to being involved under certain conditions.
John Torchetti, who was Chicago's associate coach at the time of the alleged abuse, said in late June that the team met during the 2009-10 Stanley Cup Playoffs to discuss the allegations, and ultimately chose not to notify the police.
Last month, former Blackhawks defenseman Brent Sopel said he believed nearly all of the team's then-players knew about the allegations against Aldrich. Sopel also said Joel Quenneville, Chicago's bench boss at the time, worked in the same office as Aldrich. Quenneville denied knowing of the alleged abuse and claimed he found out through the media this summer.
Quenneville, who now coaches the Florida Panthers, has offered to take part in the independent review.
The NHL isn't investigating the matter.