One of the players who helped the Chicago Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 2010 is suing the team, alleging that an assistant coach sexually abused him and another player prior to the Cup win. The player's identity has not been revealed, but he claims the team is ignoring his complaints.
According to court papers filed by the player's counsel, a Blackhawks assistant coach "turned on porn and started masturbating in front of" the player without his permission. Brad Aldrich, who was a video coach for the Blackhawks at the time and is no longer with the team, was included in the case. The complaint also claims that the coach sent the player offensive text messages and threatened to hurt him "physically, financially, and emotionally" if he "did not participate in sexual activity" with him. His lawyer claims that the events have destroyed the player's life and career, and he is seeking damages in excess of $150,000.
"The Chicago Blackhawks take the allegations asserted by a former player very seriously," said Adam Rogowin, the Blackhawks vice president for communications. "Based on our investigation, we believe the allegations against the organization lack merit and we are confident the team will be absolved of any wrongdoing."
"As this is a pending litigation matter, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further," he said.
It's not clear when Aldrich left the Blackhawks organization, but court documents show he was convicted in 2013 of fourth degree criminal sexual conduct involving a student. He has not been criminally charged in the Blackhawks case.
