Another sexual misconduct lawsuit rocks NHL franchise

The NHL and Anaheim Ducks have been named in a lawsuit filed Tuesday by a former employee alleging sexual harassment, bullying, and workplace discrimination during her time with both entities from 2022 to 2025.

According to Kristen Shilton of ESPN, the plaintiff, Rose Harris, was hired as an IT Coordinator in July 2022 by OC Sports and Entertainment (OCSE), the company that owns the Ducks, their AHL affiliate, and the Honda Center. Harris claims she was subjected to repeated harassment that included unwanted sexualized contact, constant derogatory comments, including homophobic slurs, and a hostile work environment.

In the filing, we find out that former public relations staffer Nick Aguilera allegedly engaged in inappropriate physical contact with Harris and spread false claims about a sexual relationship, which other employees reportedly repeated and mocked her for. Harris also alleges equipment managers at the Ducks made similar inappropriate comments and created further discomfort.

Harris says she reported these incidents to HR, which acknowledged potential policy violations but failed to intervene, leading her to resign in December 2024. She subsequently took a position in the NHL’s New York office in January 2025.

The lawsuit alleges that OCSE attempted to sabotage Harris’ new employment, warning NHL senior vice president and chief human resources officer Patrice Distler of her prior harassment claims. Harris claims she was then falsely accused of hacking Distler’s email and terminated immediately, with no documentation or evidence provided.

Harris also claims that both the NHL and OCSE have continued to blacklist her within the industry, making it nearly impossible for her to find work in professional sports. She is seeking punitive damages.

ESPN has contacted both the NHL and the Ducks for comment regarding the lawsuit.

This case adds to ongoing scrutiny of workplace culture within professional hockey and raises further questions about accountability at the NHL and its affiliated organizations.