Editor’s note: This story contains mentions of sexual assault. Please proceed with caution.
Kyle Beach, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, has come forward as John Doe 1 in the Chicago Blackhawks sexual assault case.
In a harrowing interview with Rick Westhead of TSN on Wednesday, Beach officially stepped forward as the first survivor of Brad Aldrich, former video coach of the Blackhawks during the team’s 2010 Stanley Cup run. Beach said Aldrich sexually assaulted him in May 2010 and then was threatened into keeping quiet about it for fear of retribution.
On Tuesday, law firm Jenner & Block released a 107-page report after completing an independent investigation into the two lawsuits lobbied at Chicago earlier this spring. After the findings were made public, general manager Stan Bowman — who was the team’s GM in 2010 — stepped away from the organization.
You can watch Beach’s 25-minute interview with Westhead below. Trigger warnings on the video for discussions of sexual assault.
Kyle Beach, John Doe in the Blackhawks investigation, talks to @rwesthead about how his NHL experience 'changed forever,’ his reaction to the findings, and support for other victims of sexual assault.
VIDEO: https://t.co/hVG7ZYiY1d pic.twitter.com/vcQYxINOX8
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 27, 2021
There is still likely fallout to come from the investigation’s findings, with Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and Florida Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville both set to meet with commissioner Gary Bettman to discuss their roles on the 2010 Blackhawks team.
On Wednesday, shortly after Beach’s interview went public, the Blackhawks released a statement of their own.
A statement from the Chicago Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/x1XbMXDiyA
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 27, 2021
There has been no word, however, on what the “changes and improvements” are within the Chicago organization.
After Beach came forward on TSN with an incredibly brave interview, the hockey world rallied around the player for his courage and conviction in speaking his truth publicly.
Kyle Beach, you are one courageous man. Wish you had the support in 2010 that you have from all of us now.
— James Duthie (@tsnjamesduthie) October 27, 2021
Kyle Beach we stand with you.
— Tara Slone (@TaraSlone) October 27, 2021
Kyle Beach is showing more courage and bravery right now than the entire 2010 Blackhawks roster and management could ever have
— Mr Booth (@MrBooth07) October 27, 2021
Kyle Beach, you are an incredible person and incredibly brave. Thank you for sharing your story and you deserved so much better.
— Juliana Nikac (@juliananikac) October 27, 2021
Kyle Beach, you are so brave. I am so sorry.
This interview is so hard to watch. And it’s nothing compared to what Kyle has been living through for a decade.
— Hailey Salvian (@hailey_salvian) October 27, 2021
I don’t have the words to express how incredibly courageous Kyle Beach is today and has been everyday since 2010.
So much strength and healing to him and every single survivor.
— Anne Tokarski (@annetokarski) October 27, 2021
the bravery Kyle Beach is showing right now is unparalleled.
— Mike Stephens (@mikeystephens81) October 27, 2021
It’s hard to imagine the courage it’s taken for Kyle Beach to do this interview. Best wishes to him and I hope he has some comfort to know he is believed and supported.
— Ray Ferraro (@rayferrarotsn) October 27, 2021
Thank you Kyle Beach. I can't imagine how hard it was to share this story. There was no obligation to come forward but the impact of doing so is undeniable. We are indebted to you.
— Matt Larkin (@THNMattLarkin) October 27, 2021
Kyle Beach has my support, and I suspect, the support of the hockey community at large. The only way we can do right by people who've endured what he has is by being there for them now, and working to ensure nothing like this happens again.
— Adam Proteau (@Proteautype) October 27, 2021
Much love to Kyle Beach.
— Israel Fehr (@israelfehr) October 27, 2021
This takes tremendous courage.
We applaud Kyle Beach for his bravery in coming forward and telling his story.
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 27, 2021
It takes an enormous amount of strength, courage and bravery to do what Kyle Beach just did
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) October 27, 2021
I can’t even fathom the amount of bravery and courage it took for Kyle Beach to do this.
— Lauren Kelly (@laurkelly24) October 27, 2021
Colossal respect for Kyle Beach. He’s going to help people by speaking out about his experience. He’s a brave, brave man.
— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) October 27, 2021