Brad Aldrich’s victim makes official statement on latest investigation and Hawks’ personnel changes

On Tuesday, the Chicago Blackhawks announced their general manager and president Stan Bowman had stepped down in the wake of an independent investigation into allegations that a then-assistant coach sexually assaulted two players in 2010. The report, called “disturbing and difficult to read” by CEO Danny Wirtz, has been handed over to the NHL. The league shortly after fined the Hawks $2-million for “inadequate procedures and mishandling” of 2010 sexual assault.

The allegations came to light this past offseason after a former player filed a lawsuit in Chicago against the franchise. That unnamed player alleges that he reported the abuse to the team and that he was essentially ignored. The player alleges that then team video coach Brad Aldrich had allegedly sexually assaulted him and then threatened him via text messages and other communications against making a complaint. A second former player alleges that he was also sexual assaulted by Aldrich and he also accuses the Blackhawks of covering up the abuse of two players and then granting Aldrich a letter of reference when he left the team quietly in the summer of 2010. That letter gave him the opportunity to go on and find other victims, the lawsuit alleges.

While Bowman attempted to explain what took place in his statement, the one we care about is John Doe’s statement, a victim of Aldrich, made per TSN’s Rock Westhead.

It is tough to read as it’s easy to tell so much damage has been done.

“I am very grateful to have the truth recognized… I know I am not the only victim in this world of sexual abuse & I hope my story can inspire change within the NHL, and around the world… I am still speechless.”

The investigation report has revealed some disturbing details on what took place and we can only empathize with the victim and hope this will help him move forward.