Kevin Cheveldayoff issues statement on involvement in Blackhawks' sexual assault case

The fallout from the explosive news out of the Windy City continues.

An investigation found that general manager Stan Bowman and other members of the Chicago Blackhawks failed to properly handle allegations of sexual assault by a former video coach on an unnamed player in 2010. And now, questions are arising for several former members of the organization, including current Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff. 

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has announced his intentions to meet personally with Cheveldayoff, who was assistant general manager to Bowman at the time, along with former coach Joel Quenneville, who is now the bench boss of the Florida Panthers. 

“I plan to arrange personal meetings in the near future with both individuals to discuss their roles in the relevant events as detailed in the Report,” Bettman said in a release from the league. “I will reserve judgment on next steps, if any, with respect to them.”

Meanwhile, Cheveldayoff reiterated that he knew nothing of the allegations until they were made public this summer. 

“I had no knowledge of any allegations involving Mr. Aldrich until asked if I was aware of anything just prior to the conclusion of his employment with the Chicago Blackhawks,” Cheveldayoff said. “After confirming that I had no prior knowledge of anything, I had no further involvement. As this is a legal matter before the courts, I will not be making any further comment; however, to the extent I am contacted by investigators in this matter, I will cooperate to the best of my ability and knowledge.”

He also maintains that he started everything that he was aware of during the investigation. 

“That is reflected in today’s investigation report,” the statement said. “Further, I look forward to my discussion with Commissioner Bettman at the soonest possible date to continue to cooperate fully with the National Hockey League. I will reserve any further comment until after that conversation has been conducted.”

Bowman resigned from his position with the Blackhawks earlier this afternoon, as well as resigning from his post as GM of the 2022 Beijing Olympic American men's hockey team. The NHL has also fined the Blackhawks $2 million for failure to properly address the accusations.