Lawsuit filed against Chicago Blackhawks by former player alleging sexual abuse
CHICAGO - Another former player is suing the Chicago Blackhawks and accusing a former coach of sexual assault. A new lawsuit names the same coach who resigned after a different player made similar allegations against him two years ago.
The plaintiff in this case, identified only as John Doe, was only 19 years old during the 2009-2010 season when the alleged assault and harassment took place. The former player was a member of the Blackhawks’ "Black Aces" squad, which was made up of minor leaguers who traveled with the NHL team during the playoffs to fill-in in case of injuries to the main squad.
The lawsuit says the team was negligent in its response after he came forward during that season's Stanley Cup run, and disgraced former Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich is once again at the center of the complaint.
"[Aldrich] had direct and constant access to the plaintiff and used his authority as part of the coaching staff to groom, to harass, to threaten, and ultimately to assault the plaintiff for his own sexual gratification," said attorney Jason Friedl, who is representing John Doe.
Aldrich resigned after former player Kyle Beach accused him of sexual assault. John Doe's attorneys said the fact that Beach came forward gave their client the strength to do the same.
"Having somebody like Kyle Beach who was a known player, someone who was very well-known, to come forward, that's what gave him the courage," said attorney Antonio Romanucci.
The suit accuses the Blackhawks of disregarding the player's safety, allowing Aldrich to remain part of the organization until after the Stanley Cup finals even after John Doe came forward.
"Other people became victims because of the Blackhawks' laziness, and because they placed winning over everything," said Romanucci.
The lawsuit alleges Aldrich would invite "Black Aces" players to his home under the guise of discussing hockey strategy. However, Aldrich allegedly attempted to make the players watch pornographic movies and is accused of offering to perform oral sex on John Doe.
Aldrich allegedly used threats to dissuade the player from reporting his conduct.
In a statement, the Blackhawks tell FOX 32 they take the allegations seriously, saying in part, "it’s why, over two years ago, we commissioned an extensive independent investigation into the troubling events that occurred in 2010. We’ve changed as a result of what happened and implemented numerous positive improvements throughout our organization to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our players and employees."
That statement went on to say the team will not be commenting with any specifics until it learns more about the pending litigation.
In 2021, "Black Aces" teammate Kyle Beach reached a settlement with the team after he alleged he was sexually assaulted by Aldrich.
In 2013, Aldrich pleaded guilty to fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in a case involving a 16-year-old Michigan high school hockey player. A felony count was dropped and Aldrich was released from jail in 2014.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.