Chicago sports host issues scathing demand to Blackhawks

The identity of the former Chicago Blackhawks player who brought to light explosive sexual assault allegations against the team has been revealed as Kyle Beach, a 2008 Draft selection who suffered abuse at the hands of then-video coach Brad Aldrich during the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs.



The Blackhawks promptly issued a statement on social media, apologizing for what Beach suffered through as well as reiterating their commitment that such behavior never happens again.

Meanwhile, the Blackhawks have come under even more scrutiny thanks to the absolutely tone-deaf comments made from captain Jonathan Toews following last night's 3-2 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

While speaking of the scandal that's rocked the organization and the rest of the National Hockey League, Toews had this to say:

"Listen, at the end of the day, I don't wish to exonerate myself in this situation by saying I didn't know. But the truth is I had not heard about it until training camp the next year."

And of course, there was this. 

Not only have his comments not sat well with fans, but one Chicago sports columnist is calling for something more drastic to be done. According to Dan Bernstein, Toews needs to be stripped of the captaincy - immediately. 

He writes: 

"A genuine leader understands all this and expresses his own profound disappointment in the failures of those he once held in higher regard, while owning unequivocally his specific role in failing to see what was happening on his watch. A positive representative of players doesn't weasel away from confrontation then or now, let alone sing the praises of those who decided not to care that Beach had been assaulted, nor care that they then actively helped send Aldrich elsewhere to prey on a high-schooler.

It's all awful. And if Toews can't or won't understand so and act accordingly, he has effectively abdicated the responsibilities implicit to an NHL team captain.

So strip that "C."

If it's left there, know for what it really stands:  complicit, corrupt, compromised.

Or coward."

Strong words indeed. Will the Blackhawks make the change?