NHLPA leader Don Fehr personally apologizes to Kyle Beach

Late last night NHLPA leader Donald Fehr issued a statement concerning the independent investigation of the Chicago Blackhawks and the information that was released as a result. If you've been living under a rock for the past 24 hours, just know that former Blackhawks first rounder Kyle Beach has come forward as the victim in this case, alleging that former Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich sexually assaulted him under duress.

Beach shared his story with TSN's Rick Westhead in a harrowing 25 minute long exclusive interview. You can see that interview below:

While Beach implicated Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman and Joel Quenneville as being directly involved in the cover-up of the abuse, Beach also holds the NHLPA accountable. In particular, Beach says that his story was directed to NHLPA head Donald Fehr and ultimately Fehr chose to do nothing with that information.

From Beach's interview with TSN:

("Fehr) represents the players. I don’t know where I fall under the NHLPA – I never played games other than pre-season, but I was on an NHL roster when this happened, albeit as a Black Ace. I know I reported every single detail to an individual at the NHLPA, who I was put in contact with after. I believe two different people talked to Don Fehr. And for him to turn his back on the players when his one job is to protect the players at all costs, I don’t know how that can be your leader. I don’t know how he can be in charge. If that’s what he’s going to do when a player comes to you and tells you something, whether it be abuse, whether it be drugs, whether it be anything, you’re supposed to have the players’ backs and they definitely didn’t have mine." 

- Kyle Beach

Late last night... and I mean like midnight Eastern time... Fehr issued the following statement on behalf of the NHLPA: 

“Kyle Beach has been through a horrific experience and has shown true courage in telling his story. There is no doubt that the system failed to support him in his time of need, and we are part of that system.

In his media interview, Mr. Beach stated that several months after the incident he told someone at the NHLPA the details of what happened to him. He is referring to one of the program doctors with the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. While this program is confidential between players and the doctors, the grave nature of this incident should have resulted in further action on our part. The fact that it did not was a serious failure. I am truly sorry, and I am committed to making changes to ensure it does not happen again.”

- Donald Fehr

Oh really... you're committed to making changes? When and how? Talk, talk, talk.

The fact is that we're likely to see several statements like this from around the league in the coming days. Just remember that it's just that... a statement. I'll believe that we're in for real change when I see it with my own eyes.