The Chicago Blackhawks have reached a settlement with a former player, identified in court as John Doe, who alleged the organization failed to act on sexual assault accusations during the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
John Doe had filed a lawsuit in 2023 against the team, claiming the Blackhawks ignored his reports that then-video coach Brad Aldrich had assaulted him. This case was set to go to trial in late October after a Cook County judge denied the team’s motion to dismiss earlier this year.
In a short statement released on Saturday, the Blackhawks confirmed the case was resolved but said they would not make further comments. The law firm representing the player, Romanucci & Blandin, also announced that the lawsuit had been settled by agreement of both sides.
Background of the Case
The allegations echoed the earlier case involving former player Kyle Beach, who came forward in 2021 with similar accusations against Aldrich and the organization. The NHL fined the Blackhawks $2 million that same year after an independent investigation by Jenner & Block concluded that the team failed to respond adequately when the accusations were first brought forward in 2010.
Despite the complaints, Aldrich remained with the Blackhawks throughout the 2010 Stanley Cup Final. His name was even engraved on the Cup before being later crossed out.
The Legal Process
The Blackhawks had argued in court that the statute of limitations should have barred John Doe’s claims, saying he should have pursued legal action within two years of 2011. The plaintiff’s legal team countered that the clock reset in 2021 when the Jenner & Block report revealed new information about the organization’s handling of the case.
Judge Barbara Flores sided with John Doe, allowing the case to proceed toward trial before the settlement was reached.
What It Means for the Blackhawks
This settlement closes another chapter in a scandal that has followed the Blackhawks since 2010. While the team has faced fines and heavy criticism for its handling of the situation, the organization is clearly working to move forward under new leadership.
For some fans, however, the story remains a reminder of how off-ice issues can leave lasting damage to a franchise’s public reputation.
