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Breaking News: Chicago Blackhawks being Sued for Due Diligence from 2010 Incident

Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X November 5, 2023
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Blackhawks are facing a lawsuit for a second alleged sexual assault in 2010, and the team’s lack of action in response to the alleged incident, per Phil Thompson of the Chicago Tribune.

The player suing the team was a “Black Ace” of the Hawks 2009/10 team, and claims that former video coach Brad Aldrich “groomed, harassed, threatened and assaulted” him during the 2009-10 season and that the Hawks suppressed his complaint to protect their Stanley Cup championship run. The lawsuit was filed under Chicago-based law firm Romanucci & Blandin, named anonymously as “John Doe”.

The suit, which accuses the Hawks of showing “utter indifference and/or conscious disregard for the safety of its employees, including John Doe,” names the team as the sole defendant and seeks a jury trial.

The Blackhawks told the Chicago Tribune in a statement they “take allegations of workplace misconduct and organizational response very seriously, and it’s why, over two years ago, we commissioned an extensive independent investigation into the troubling events that occurred in 2010.” The team further stated that they have implemented “numerous positive improvements” throughout the organization to ensure safety for players and employees. The team stated that until they learn more about this probe, they would not have any further comment.

Attorneys from Romanucci & Blandin confirmed to the Tribune their client is the witness “Black Ace 1″ who talked to independent investigators from Jenner & Block, which accused the 2010 Stanley Cup champions of a cover-up in a scathing report in October 2021.

The suit alleges that as the season and playoffs progressed, Aldrich “used threats to John Doe’s career to coerce (him) to not report” Aldrich’s alleged conduct. The suit alleges that the notorious meeting with all of the Hawks executives in the 2010 playoff run to discuss sexual assault allegations did happen, and that no action was taken by the team until after the team won the Stanley Cup.

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy
Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X November 5, 2023
0 1 minute read
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