Chicago Blackhawks executives who were suspended by NHL for ignoring sexual harassment allegations have been REINSTATED after three years

Three Chicago Blackhawks executives who were suspended after they ignored sexual harassment allegations made 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 vice president of hockey operations, and Joel Quenneville, the team’s former head coach, can now seek employment with the league again.

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

“While it is clear that their reactions were unacceptable at the time, each of these three individuals (Messrs. Bowman, MacIsaac and Quenneville) have acknowledged this and have used their time away from the game to engage in activities that not only demonstrate sincere remorse for what occurred, but also demonstrate a heightened awareness of the responsibility that rests with all NHL employees, particularly those in leadership positions,” the statement read.

Moreover, each had made significant progress in their self-development by participating in numerous programs, many of which focused on the need to respond effectively and meaningfully to alleged acts of abuse.

“The league expects they will continue that involvement in the future within the NHL and/or one of our clubs.”

The statement also said that while clubs can discuss employment options with the three men, they cannot officially employ them until at least July 10.

On May 7, 2021, a former Blackhawks player — initially testifying 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 threatened him physically, emotionally and financially.

A months-long investigation by law firm Jenner & Block found that after the team’s victory over the San Jose Sharks in the Western Conference finals, executives held a meeting to discuss the allegations.

But the executives—including Bowman, MacIsaac and Quenneville—decided not to pursue the claims until after the Stanley Cup Finals. The report showed the matter was never discussed again.

Aldrich was given the option to resign or be fired by the Blackhawks’ director of human resources if the allegations were true. Aldrich chose to resign and was still able to attend the celebrations following the Blackhawks’ 2010 Stanley Cup Final victory.

Aldrich then worked at the University of Notre Dame and Miami University in Ohio before becoming an assistant coach at a high school in Houghton, Michigan.

He was charged with sexual assault at Miami University and later convicted of having sexual contact with a minor while working at a high school. Aldrich spent nine months in prison and was required to register as a sex offender in Michigan.

In October 2021, Kyle Beach gave an interview to Canada’s SportsCentre in which he confirmed that he is John Doe – thus describing his experiences with the Blackhawks.

Following the conclusion of the investigation, Bowman and MacIsaac resigned from their positions with the team on October 26. Quenneville, who was then the head coach of the Florida Panthers, also resigned from his position two days later.

Following the conclusion of the investigation, the NHL fined the Blackhawks $2 million.

Beach and the Blackhawks reached a confidential agreement in December 2021.

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