Former Chicago Blackhawks’ prospect once revealed he was sexually assaulted by Blackhawks’ coach and the team’s silence on it

Kyle Beach was just about to start his career in the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks when he became a victim of a crime. While Kyle Beach never really played in the NHL, he was one of the top prospects for the NHL in 2010 and was picked by the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2008 NHL Entry NHL Draft. But soon after, he accused the then Chicago Blackhawks’ coach Brad Aldrich of sexual assault.


In 2021, in an interview with SportCentre’s TSN, Kyle Beach revealed his identity instead of being referred to as John Doe 1 and opened up about the events that happened in 2010.
Back in 2010, he was called to the Chicago Blackhawks as a “Black Ace” and at that time Brad Aldrich was the team coach. At 20 years of age, Kyle Beach was called to Brad Aldrich’s home for dinner but Kyle was sexually assaulted and threatened about his career.
However, Kyle Beach was not scared and went on to speak to other teammates about the crime that had taken place. Back then, while the management was made aware of the crime, they remained silent and wanted to avoid “bad publicity”. It was only after the Chicago Blackhawks had won the Stanley Cup that action was taken.
As per the interview with TSN in 2021, Kyle Beach reflected on that time and said, “Because when I was alone, I was afraid and I was scared, I didn’t think I could turn to anyone. Even when this first came out, the Blackhawks denied it. They said they did an investigation. They said my claims were meritless. To me, I took that as them saying to the world that I was a liar, that I was lying.”
Brad Adrich celebrated the win and then resigned from the team. However, three years later, in 2013, he was charged with fourth degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor and was promptly arrested.
Kyle Beach later played for Germany and retired in 2022. In 2021, the team did an independent investigation which proved Kyle's claims to be true and terminated two officials. In December 2021, Kyle Beach and the Chicago Blackhawks had reached a settlement that remains undisclosed.
Also Read: Oilers' Evander Kane faced suspension for faking a vaccination card after being accused of betting on NHL games by his ex wife Anna Kane