Chicago Blackhawks: Team was aware of 2010 sexual assault

Just four months after the Chicago Blackhawks were named in numerous lawsuits filed by a former player who says he was sexually assaulted by video coach Brad Aldrich in 2010, the team released a full report on Tuesday detailing what unfolded during the team’s Stanley Cup championship run 10 years ago.

Shortly after the allegations surfaced, the team hired a former federal prosecutor to conduct an independent investigation into the alleged sexual assault and the team’s handling of the accusations.

As it turns out, the team was aware of the accusations back in 2010. Additionally, the most significant members of the front office include GM Stan Bowman, President John McDonough, and Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Al MacIsaac, as well as then-head coach Joel Quenneville.

The Chicago Blackhawks were aware of an alleged sexual assault by Brad Aldrich in 2010.

The report states that CEO Danny Wirtz and his father, owner Rocky Wirtz, were unaware of the allegations. Danny Wirtz was not with the team at the time of the alleged assault or allegations.

The full report was released by the team and independent prosecutor. You can read the full report here. WARNING: The report contains graphic details and language and may be disturbing for readers.

According to the report, the Blackhawks front office & coaching staff met less than an hour after the team advanced to the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals. MacIsaac had stated that the team didn’t want “any negative publicity” about the team during the Stanley Cup Finals.

The investigation went on to state that after the incident and meeting were reported to human resources, the organization gave Aldrich the option to undergo an investigation or resign. Aldrich opted to resign without an investigation occurring.

In addition, the Blackhawks allowed Aldrich to celebrate with the team, engraved his name on the Stanley Cup, and even awarded him a playoff bonus and severance pay.

The report blatantly states that the Blackhawks knew about the allegations, covered them up, and opted to side with the defendant instead of helping the alleged victim.

Aldrich was also accused of inappropriate advances against a team intern in 2010, allegedly touching the individual in an inappropriate manner.

During the team’s press conferenced conducted by Danny and Rocky Wirtz, the Blackhawks announced that MacIsaac and Bowman have departed the organization, effective immediately.

McDonough and Quenneville departed the organization in 2020 and 2018, respectively. Assistant GM Kyle Davidson will be taking over as the interim GM.

Today will go down as arguably the darkest day in Blackhawks history as the allegations and events of 2010 are far worse than anything that happens on the ice.

It’s now up to the team to take their punishment and do everything possible to ensure that something like this never happens again.

The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7. To report a sexual assault, call 1-800-656-4673.