Chicago Blackhawks executives who were suspended by the NHL for ignoring claims of sexual abuse are REINSTATED three years on

Three Chicago Blackhawks executives who were suspended after they were found to ignore claims of sexual abuse put forth by former player Kyle Beach have been reinstated by the NHL.

Stan Bowman - the organization's former general manager, Al MacIsaac - Chicago's former Senior VP of Hockey Operations, and Joel Quenneville - the team's former head coach - are now all allowed to seek employment in the league once again.

The NHL released a statement late on Monday afternoon - coinciding with the first day of free agency. 

'While it is clear that, at the time, their responses were unacceptable, each of these three individuals (Messrs. Bowman, MacIsaac and Quenneville) has acknowledged that and used his time away from the game to engage in activities which, not only demonstrate sincere remorse for what happened, but also evidence greater awareness of the responsibilities that all NHL personnel have, particularly personnel who are in positions of leadership,' the statement read.

'Moreover, each has made significant strides in personal improvement by participating in myriad programs, many of which focused on the imperative of responding in effective and meaningful ways to address alleged acts of abuse. 

'The League expects that they will continue this commitment in any future capacity with the NHL and/or one of our Clubs.'

The statement also says while clubs can discuss employment possibilities with the three men, they cannot officially hire them until at least July 10. 

On May 7, 2021, a former Blackhawks player - initially filing as John Doe, later revealed as Kyle Beach - accused former video coach Brad Aldrich of sexually assaulting him during the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Beach also alleged that Aldrich physically, emotionally, and financially threatened him.

A month's long investigation by the law firm Jenner & Block found that executives held a meeting after sweeping the San Jose Sharks in the Western Conference Finals to address the claims.

However, the executives - which included Bowman, MacIsaac, and Quenneville - decided to not address the claims until after the Stanley Cup Finals. The report found that the matter was never discussed again.

Aldrich was given the option of resigning or being fired by the Blackhawks' human resources director if the claims were true. Aldrich chose to resign and was still allowed to participate in celebrations after the Blackhawks won the 2010 Stanley Cup Final.

Aldrich went on to work for the University of Notre Dame and Miami University in Ohio before serving as a high school assistant coach in Houghton, Michigan.

He was accused of sexual assault at Miami University and was later convicted of having sexual contact with a minor at the high school job. Aldrich served nine months in prison and was required to register as a sex offender in the state of Michigan.

In October of 2021, Kyle Beach gave an interview on SportsCentre in Canada and confirmed that he was John Doe - detailing his experiences with the Blackhawks.

After the investigation was completed, Bowman and MacIsaac resigned from their positions within the team on October 26. Quenneville, who was the head coach of the Florida Panthers at the time, also resigned from his post two days later.

The Blackhawks were fined $2million by the NHL after the completion of the investigation. 

Beach and the Blackhawks reached a confidential settlement in December of 2021.

In November of 2023, another anonymous former Blackhawks prospect filed a negligence lawsuit against the Blackhawks for suppressing his complaints of sexual harassment and threats of physical violence from Aldrich during the 2010 playoffs.