The Chicago Blackhawks have commissioned an independent investigation into sexual assault allegations against former video coach Brad Aldrich, according to an internal memo from CEO Danny Wirtz obtained by The Athletic.
Two lawsuits were filed against the organization alleging that Aldrich sexually assaulted a former Blackhawks player and a high school player in 2010.
"We want to reiterate to you that we take the allegations described in these lawsuits very seriously," Wirtz said in the memo. "They in no way reflect this organization's culture or values." Wirtz added that the team hired former federal prosecutor Reid Schar to review the allegations.
"Mr. Schar and his firm have significant experience conducting independent investigative reviews, have no previous ties to the Blackhawks organization, and have been directed to follow the facts wherever they lead," Wirtz said.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Monday the league was made aware of the allegations "relatively recently" by counsel for the Blackhawks.
"We believed that it was appropriate for there to be an independent investigation which has been commissioned by the Blackhawks and is underway," Bettman said.
Asked if the NHL was involved in the investigation, Bettman said the league is satisfied that the law firm retention is "appropriate." He did not say whether the investigation's findings will be made public, but said it will be handled "appropriately and professionally and done right."
"We’re going to wait and see what the results are from this investigation and then we’ll determine what, if anything, we need to do to follow up," he said.
He added that "all options are available" regarding punishment for those involved.
When reached for comment via email on Monday night, Susan Loggans, the plaintiff's attorney for two lawsuits against the Blackhawks in the matter, told The Athletic she is not certain the investigation is independent.
"The statement that they will not agree to release the result of the investigation at this time makes me conclude that it is not independent," Loggans said. "If it were independent I believe they would provide the assignment … and make public all of the information they plan to provide, such as all of their files … to the investigator and none of that has been done, so the answer is no, I do not think it is 'independent.'"
A former Blackhawks player recently told The Athletic that "every guy on the team knew" about the alleged abuse.
The Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup over the Philadelphia Flyers in six games in 2010, with Aldrich joining the team on the ice to celebrate after the win. He left Chicago after and joined the coaching staff of a boys high school team in Houghton, Mich.
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