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Panthers Coach Joel Quenneville To Meet With NHL Commissioner Thursday Over Blackhawks Sex Abuse Scandal

This article is more than 2 years old.
Updated Apr 21, 2022, 08:20am EDT

Topline

As the fallout continues from a sexual assault investigation into the Chicago Blackhawks organization — which resulted in the resignation of its general manager Tuesday — former Blackhawks coach and current Florida Panthers coach Joel Quenneville is scheduled to meet with the NHL's commissioner Thursday as speculation mounts over his future in the league.

Key Facts

Quenneville coached the Panthers on Wednesday night in their 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins, generating criticism from league observers toward the NHL and its Florida franchise for permitting the coach's continued involvement in games.  

The head coach, who has denied he knew about the allegations until the media reported them this summer, declined to speak with the media after Wednesday’s game about the developments earlier this week, including the resignation of Blackhawks General Manager Stan Bowman and the revelation by Kyle Beach that he was the player that brought forward the allegations against then-assistant coach Brad Aldrich.

On Wednesday, Beach revealed in an interview on TSN Sports that he was the player identified as John Doe who filed a lawsuit in May 2021 against the Chicago Blackhawks, alleging he had been sexually assaulted and harassed by Aldrich in 2010.

In the interview, Beach emphasized that Quenneville, who was the Blackhawks head coach at the time of the attack, had knowledge of the allegations, telling TSN, "I've witnessed meetings, right after I reported it to [then-Blackhawks coach] James Gary, that were held in Joel Quenneville's office." 

Crucial Quote:

"There's absolutely no way that he can deny knowing it," Beach told TSN regarding Quenneville's knowledge of the situation. 

What To Watch For:

Quenneville is reportedly expected to meet with Bettman at 2 p.m. Thursday at NHL headquarters in Manhattan.  

Chief Critic:

Chris Johnston, a reporter for TSN and The Toronto Star, tweeted Wednesday, "How Joel Quenneville was allowed to step behind an NHL bench tonight is beyond me. Given what we've learned in the last 30 hours, there's no reason for him to be working while the league process plays out."

Key Background:

The Blackhawks hired law firm Jenner & Block to investigate Beach's allegations back in May. As a result of the investigation, which was made public Tuesday, the NHL fined Chicago $2 million for their mishandling of the assault and harassment. The franchise took responsibility for the situation, issuing a statement that read, "It is clear the organization and its executives at that time did not live up to our own standards or values in handling these disturbing incidents." The team's general manager, Stan Bowman, resigned Tuesday after the findings were released and also stepped down as GM of the 2022 U.S. Olympic men's ice hockey team. "In light of what's happened today, I think it's in the best interests of USA Hockey for me to step aside," Bowman said in a statement. In July, Quenneville told the AP he only "first learned of these allegations through the media earlier this summer," adding, "I have contacted the Blackhawks organization to let them know I will support and participate in the independent review." However, the Jenner & Block investigation revealed Quenneville was aware of the severe accusations in 2010 and took part in at least one meeting with Blackhawks executives in which the allegations were discussed. In 2013, Aldrich pleaded guilty to misdemeanor criminal sexual conduct with a former Michigan high school hockey player and was sentenced to nine months in prison. A player from that team has also filed a lawsuit against the Blackhawks for negligence. On Wednesday, Forbes attempted to contact  Aldrich and Gary for comment but has not heard back.

Big Number:

139. That's the number of people Jenner & Block interviewed during their investigation into the assault.

Further Reading:

Kyle Beach Reveals He Filed Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Chicago Blackhawks (Forbes) 

Chicago Blackhawks' Stan Bowman Out As GM Amid Investigation Into Sexual Assault Cover-Up (Forbes)

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