Kyle Beach issues a personal statement, claims the Blackhawks are trying to discredit him

In case you missed the news yesterday, former Chicago Blackhawks first round pick Kyle Beach revealed on TSN that he is indeed "John Doe", the man who has alleged that he was assaulted by former Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich. Furthermore, Beach contends that “everybody in that locker room knew about it,” and that denials from players like players, coaches and management are false.

If you haven't yet watched it, I encourage you watch the entire 25 minute interview that Beach had with TSN's Rick Westhead. Frankly, Beach shows real guts in speaking openly about such a horrific time in his life and his story deserves to be heard. 

You can watch the entire interview below:

Today Beach issued a statement through his social media thanking people for reaching out to him in the past 48 hours. Beach states that he has received endless love and support and that he is now beginning to heal since his story has gone public. He also states though that the Blackhawks are trying to discredit his case, presumably so that they can earn themselves a lower settlement in court or absolve themselves of blame completely. 

Here's Beach's full statement:

I'd love nothing more than to see just exactly how the Blackhawks plan on weaseling out of this. The pointing of fingers may never end.

Whatever happens at the end of all this, I just hope that Beach can move on in his life and be at peace. The Blackhawks and, by extension, the entire hockey world let him down when no one would take his story seriously. He talks about how his abuse changed him as a person and how he relied on drugs and alcohol to numb his pain. He talked about acting out and making irrational decisions. You have to wonder how much differently his career and indeed his life may have turned out if someone, anyone, would have just listened to him and taken him seriously 11 years ago. 

Godspeed, Kyle Beach. I hope you take these bastards for all they're worth in court.