What did new Oilers GM Stan Bowman do that prompted him to resign from Chicago Blackhawks in 2021?

In October 2021, the Chicago Blackhawks announced general manager Stan Bowman’s resignation. The Blackhawks released the findings from Jenner & Block LLP, on October 26. The investigation started after a lawsuit was filed on May 7, 2021, by a former player known as John Doe. He alleged that the team ignored his and a teammate’s reports of sexual assault by then-video coach Brad Aldrich in 2010.

The lawsuit detailed troubling claims against Aldrich. It alleged that he watched pornography and performed a sexual act in front of the player without consent. He also sent inappropriate texts and physically threatened the player. These incidents allegedly happened during the Blackhawks' 2010 Stanley Cup run.

Despite the seriousness of these allegations, senior management, including Bowman, did not act immediately. On May 23, 2010, Bowman, then-president John McDonough, and other officials delayed addressing the allegations until after the playoffs to avoid disrupting the team's performance. This decision violated the team's policy, which requires prompt and thorough investigations of all reports.

The delayed response allowed Aldrich to keep working with the team and join the Stanley Cup celebrations. During this time, Aldrich made more unwanted advances toward a 22-year-old intern. It wasn’t until June 14, 2010, that McDonough reported the allegations to the HR director. Aldrich was then given the option to resign without a thorough investigation.

Aldrich resigned later, but his name was engraved on the Stanley Cup. He also took part in the banner-raising event.

Kyle Beach's Public Acceptance and Investigation Findings

The investigation, detailed in a 107-page report, described the events and organizational failures. Kyle Beach came forward as John Doe in an emotional interview with TSN’s Rick Westhead on October 27, 2021. He felt relieved that the truth was exposed.

The report confirmed that the Blackhawks handled the allegations poorly. They waited three weeks before taking action, letting Aldrich continue his misconduct. The investigation showed that senior executives, including Bowman, failed to follow their own standards and caused significant harm to the victims.

Stan Bowman's resignation from Chicago Blackhawks in 2021

Stan Bowman stepped down as the Blackhawks' general manager on October 26, 2021, following the investigation’s findings. The Blackhawks' CEO, Danny Wirtz, said:

"We and he ultimately accept that in his first year as general manager, he made a mistake alongside our other senior executives at the time and did not take adequate action in 2010."

Bowman had admitted that he and other senior executives made a mistake by not taking immediate action in 2010.

"Today after discussions with Rocky and Danny, I have decided to step aside (as Hawks GM). The team needs to focus on its future, and my continued participation would be a distraction." Bowman's statement read.

The NHL fined the Blackhawks $2 million for their inadequate internal procedures and delayed response.

In the first week of July, the NHL dropped Bowman's suspension, and he has now secured a new job as the Edmonton Oilers' general manager.