Joel Quenneville, a former Chicago coach, met Thursday with Gary Bettman, NHL commissioner. He discussed his involvement in Blackhawks' sexual abuse cases. Kyle Beach also accused the team of trying to "destroy" my case in court via social media.
Quenneville, the current coach of the Florida Panthers met with Bettman in New York for approximately two hours. He was accompanied by Bill Zito, general manager, and Matt Caldwell, Panthers team president.
On Wednesday, Beach came forward as John Doe, the ex-Blackhawks player who brought a lawsuit against the team over his allegations of sexual assault. The Blackhawks ordered Jenner & Block to investigate allegations that Brad Aldrich, former video coach, sexually assaulted Beach and harassed him during their 2010 Stanley Cup run.
The results of Tuesday's investigation revealed that Quenneville knew of the situation and participated in at least one meeting about the allegations during the 2010 playoffs. Quenneville previously stated that he was aware of the allegations during the summer 2021, "through the media."
Stan Bowman, former Blackhawks general manger, recalled that Quenneville, upon learning about the Aldrich allegations in his investigation report, "shook his heads and said that it was difficult for the team [the playoffs] and that they couldn't deal with this problem now."
Bowman resigned Tuesday after the investigation was made publicly. They were also fined $2,000,000.
Beach wrote on Twitter that she was overwhelmed by the support and love she received in the last 48 hours. "While the Blackhawks have apologized and released the results of their private investigation, I am still fighting for my case in court.
Beach stated that Quenneville knew nothing about the allegations in a Wednesday interview with TSN.
"I have witnessed meetings that were held in Joel Quenneville’s office. This was right after I reported it [Blackhawks mental skill coach] James Gary]. Beach stated that there is no way that he could deny it.
Quenneville said Wednesday that the Panthers are now 7-0-0 and that he discussed the matter with his team. He said that he doesn't believe it would be an issue since "I think we try not to remove all distractions." Quenneville went on to coach against UCLA that night and did not answer any questions from media.
The Panthers will next face the Detroit Red Wings Friday. They stated earlier this week that no further comments would be made until Quenneville's meeting in person with Bettman.
This report was contributed by Emily Kaplan, ESPN.
