Revealing report on the Kyle Beach scandal in Chicago on July 18
Photo credit: Washington Post
Assessing the Oilers' potential GM Pick: Stan Bowman's controversial legacy and future impact.
In the wake of Ken Holland's departure from the Edmonton Oilers, the hockey world is abuzz with speculation about his potential successor.
One of the names rising to the forefront is Stan Bowman, whose past with the Chicago Blackhawks both fascinates and horrifies many.
David Staples of The Cult of Hockey undertakes a meticulous examination, digging through the archives, including the pivotal 2021 report by Jenner and Bock, to shed light on Bowman's viability for the role.
The 2021 investigation by Jenner and Bock, led by former federal prosecutor Reid Schar, provides a grim view of a troubling chapter in Blackhawks history.
The firm's 107-page report lays bare the details of Brad Aldrich's misconduct and the institutional failures that followed. The executive summary is particularly damning, stating:
«(Beach) further alleged that the Blackhawks were made aware of the alleged assault soon after it occurred and failed to act to address the assault.»
Bowman's involvement, or lack thereof, during the crisis has been a topic of intense scrutiny. The report reveals a series of interviews with 139 witnesses�from executives to interns�which uncovers a systemic neglect of duty. One detail stands out:
«Our investigation uncovered the following events. On May 8 or 9, 2010, (Beach) had a sexual encounter with Brad Aldrich... »
This investigation highlighted a flawed management structure that allowed Aldrich to continue his association with the team, despite allegations of sexual assault.
Notably, on June 16, 2010, Aldrich was given a choice by the Blackhawks' Director of Human Resources: face an investigation or resign. He chose the latter, with no further inquiry pursued by the organization.
«A Blackhawks policy at the time provided that all reports of sexual harassment would be �promptly and thoroughly' investigated. Our investigation uncovered no evidence, however, that McDonough or anyone else either contacted Human Resources or initiated an investigation between May 23 and June 14.»
The implications for Bowman are complex. While his awareness of the incident was acknowledged, the response�or lack thereof�under his watch is troubling.
His discussions with then-president John McDonough were deferred until after the playoffs, a decision that has since been criticized for its lack of urgency and care for the victim.
«As a result, the Blackhawks' own sexual harassment policy � which required investigation of all reports of sexual harassment to be conducted �promptly and thoroughly' �was violated.»
Stan Bowman's subsequent resignation and the fines levied against the Blackhawks by the NHL have left an indelible mark on his record.
However, his efforts to educate himself on the issues of sexual abuse, noted by advocacy figures like Sheldon Kennedy, suggest a path toward redemption:
«I've always believed that regardless of how dire a situation may be, there is always some good that can emerge from it. This (Kyle Beach) incident was no exception,» Kennedy remarked.
As the Oilers consider Bowman for the general manager position, they must weigh his extensive experience and recent efforts to address past mistakes against the backdrop of his role in one of hockey's most disturbing episodes.
The decision will not only shape the future of the Oilers but also signal the NHL's commitment to accountability and change.
| POLL | ||
19 JUILLET | 64 ANSWERS Revealing report on the Kyle Beach scandal in Chicago on July 18 Should Stan Bowman be hired by the Oilers as their new GM? | ||
| Yes | 30 | 46.9 % |
| No | 34 | 53.1 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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