On Sunday, Phil Thompson at the Chicago Tribune published a report saying a former Blackhawks prospect is suing the organization for acts surrounding the allegations of sexual assault and harassment by former video coach Brad Aldrich in 2010.
I really do not want to sound callous in my breakdown of the Thompson report, but I also want to clear up what could be some easy misconceptions. So here’s a bulleted-summary:
- This is not a new allegation. This is a civil suit involving one of the previously un-named players who was referred to as “Black Ace 1” in the Jenner & Block report (in October 2021). The individual was one of the Black Aces with Kyle Beach in 2010.
- The NHL already penalized the Blackhawks organization based on that report.
- Chicago-based law firm Romanucci & Blandin filed the suit on Thursday. That firm has also represented, among others, former Northwestern football players alleging racial discrimination earlier this year.
- Romanucci & Blandin have scheduled a news conference for 10 AM Monday at the firm’s office.
There are no individuals working for the Chicago Blackhawks who were involved in the conduct outlined in the Jenner & Block report from two years ago. There are no current employees of the organization named as defendants in the suit. Beach reached a settlement with the Blackhawks in December of 2010.