Blackhawks settle second lawsuit in Aldrich sexual assault case - ESPN

The Chicago Blackhawks settled a second lawsuit brought by a former player who claimed they were negligent in dealing with sexual assault allegations leveled against then-video coach Brad Aldrich in 2010.

The complaint was filed in 2023 in the Cook County (Illinois) Circuit Court. Romanucci & Blandin, the firm that filed the lawsuit, identified «John Doe» as a Black Ace — a prospect who joins an NHL team as a reserve player for the postseason — during Chicago's run to the 2010 Stanley Cup Final. It listed 15 counts of negligence.

The lawsuit claimed that Doe was targeted by Aldrich, who «used his authority as a coach to groom, harass, threaten, and assault John Doe for sexual gratification.» Doe's lawsuit accused the Blackhawks of «utter indifference and/or conscious disregard for the safety of its employees» in not taking action when made aware of Aldrich's actions. The suit claimed that Doe suffered injuries and damages, including «great pain of body and mind.»

The two sides issued separate statements confirming that a deal was struck with Doe, but terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

Doe was the second former 2010 Blackhawks player to file a lawsuit against the team and reach a settlement. Forward Kyle Beach filed a lawsuit claiming he was sexually assaulted by Aldrich and that the organization's senior leadership put off taking any action until after the Stanley Cup was awarded that season. He settled with the team in 2021.

The Blackhawks allowed Aldrich to resign in 2010. In 2013, Aldrich pleaded guilty to criminal sexual conduct with a 16-year-old high school hockey player he coached in Michigan. He spent time in prison and is now listed as a sex offender.

A trial date of Oct. 27 was set for John Doe's