Minas Panagiotakis/Getty ImagesMarc Bergevin, Montreal Canadiens general manger, said Sunday that he wasn't aware of the sexual assault allegations against Brad Aldrich, Chicago Blackhawks video coach, by two players in the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs. Bergevin was then the Hawks' director for player personnel.Bergevin was asked about his situation as his Habs prepare for the 2021 Stanley Cup Final against Tampa Bay Lightning, which begins Monday night.Bergevin stated to reporters that he was unaware of a meeting in Chicago. He said that he was not a part of the meeting and that he was not a part of any decision made based on it. "And I wasn't aware of anything happening at that time. You can record that.One of the two NHL players who claimed Aldrich had sexually assaulted him filed a lawsuit against them in April seeking $150,000 in damages. According to the court filing, Aldrich threatened to injure him... financially, emotionally and physically if the plaintiff didn't engage in sexual activity.Rick Westhead, TSN's reporter on June 17, reported that several Blackhawks staff members met with coaching staff and the front office in May 2010. This was after players had alerted Paul Vincent, the skills coach, about the allegations against Aldrich.Vincent was the team president, John McDonough was vice president of hockey operations Al MacIsaac was general manager Stan Bowman, and James Gary, team sports psychologist, were present at that meeting. Westhead reports. Bergevin wasn't mentioned in the report.Vincent suggested that the organization report the incidents to Chicago Police, but his suggestion wasn't accepted. The team then allowed Aldrich to continue as a coach for the rest of the playoffs, when the Hawks won the Stanley Cup title. According to the TSN report.Unnamed players from the 2009-10 Blackhawks roster stated that the situation wasn't secret.The player said that "Everyone on the team knew it", and shared the information with Scott Powers, Katie Strang, and Mark Lazerus of The Athletic. "Everyone on the team knew."After the 2010 Stanley Cup run, Aldrich quit the organization. Later, he was a coach at Houghton High School (Michigan) and Miami University (Ohio).After pleading guilty to fourth-degree criminal sex conduct with a 16-18-year-old student, he was sentenced in 2014 to nine months imprisonment and five years probation. He was also required to register in Michigan as a sex offenders.The Athletic was informed by Bill Daly, NHL deputy commissioner, that there had not been an active investigation into the matter within the league as of Friday."We have been in touch with the Club regarding this matter, but there is not an ongoing investigation. He said that he did not have any additional comment.Bergevin (55-year-old ex-NHL defenseman) left the Blackhawks to become the general manager of Canadiens in May 2012.
