Blackhawks sexual abuse victim comes forward in explosive interview
Chicago, Illinois - The professional hockey player at the center of the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks cover-up scandal made his identity public on Wednesday night, providing a face and a name to go with his brave actions.
Kyle Beach (31) is the hockey player who came forward to Blackhawks officials in 2010, alleging sexual misconduct by one of the team’s coaching personnel.
He revealed his role in the scandal to TSN’s Rick Westhead in an interview that was broadcasted on the network Wednesday night.
Beach spoke of "relief and vindication", despite also saying, "I was fearful. I had my career threatened. I felt alone and dark."
His accusations, which were subsequently covered up by now-former Blackhawks officials eventually sparked an independent investigation, a final report, and an ongoing lawsuit identifying him as "John Doe," was made public on Tuesday.
In short, Beach notified Blackhawks personnel of an event of sexual assault and harassment by then video coach Brad Aldrich that occurred weeks before the team’s Stanley Cup win that year.
According to the independent investigation’s findings, the Blackhawks organization didn’t take action until the team won it all a month later and then did nothing more than allow Aldrich to resign quietly, with no other consequences.
After the report was publicized Tuesday, Stan Bowman removed himself from the positions of general manager and president of hockey operations with the Blackhawks.
Bowman was the general manager in Chicago at that time and claimed he only learned of Beach’s allegations this year, despite admitting he was present at a May 2010 meeting of senior management in regard to Beach’s claims. He also stepped down as the general manager of the US Men’s Hockey Team that same day.
After Beach’s interview aired, the Blackhawks released a statement of their own commending Beach’s "courage in coming forward."
Beach currently continues to play professional hockey in Germany for Black Dragons Erfurt in the Oberliga.
Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO/GEPA pictures & Icon SMI