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NHL Players’ Association to launch independent review of Kyle Beach’s assault allegations
Global News
A third-party report commissioned by the Blackhawks released Oct. 26 detailed how senior leaders within the organization largely ignored Beach's accusation.
The NHL Players’ Association says it will commission an independent review of the union’s response to sexual assault allegations made by Chicago Blackhawks draft pick Kyle Beach against a former assistant coach.
The NHLPA announced the decision Thursday night after its 32-member board voted in favour of a resolution following executive director Don Fehr’s recommendation on a call earlier this week.
A third-party report commissioned by the Blackhawks released Oct. 26 detailed how senior leaders within the organization largely ignored Beach’s accusation that he had been assaulted by Brad Aldrich in May 2010 for a three-week period before the club won its first Stanley Cup since 1961.
The report, which came in response to lawsuits by Beach and a former high school student Aldrich was convicted of assaulting in Michigan after leaving the Blackhawks, also revealed Fehr was contacted twice about allegations connected to Chicago’s former video coach, including by a Beach confidant.
Fehr told investigators he couldn’t recall either conversation, but didn’t deny they occurred.
“Kyle Beach has been through a horrific experience and has shown true courage in telling his story,” Fehr said in a statement following the release of the report. “There is no doubt that the system failed to support him in his time of need, and we are part of that system.”
Beach told TSN last week he reported “every single detail to an individual at the NHLPA.”
“I believe two different people talked to Don Fehr,” Beach said in that interview. “And for him to turn his back on the players when his one job is to protect the players at all costs, I don’t know how that can be your leader.