Hi, this is Fred Wallace with ” Off the Wire “,….. proudly sponsored by Pete’s Auto Body.
Pete’s Auto Body; because we care about our community….
The Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League are in the middle of a swirling mess that was their own doing, and now perhaps will be their undoing.
Kyle Beach, a former first round draft pick for Chicago who never played an NHL game, stepped forward this week and identified himself as ” John Doe “- one of the victims alleging he was sexually assaulted by former Chicago Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich.
The alleged assaults took place in 2010 and reportedly also involved another player in the Hawks organization.
The accusations have not been heard or proven in court, but an independent review in response to two lawsuits filed against the franchise have been revealed and are graphic in nature & detail.
As a result the NHL has fined the Blackhawks $ 2 million. And that may just be the beginning…. and the beginning of the end for numerous Blackhawk coaches and executives from that era if it’s determined they did in fact know about the alleged assaults and did little, or nothing, in response.
Make no mistake this is an issue directly concerning and involving the Chicago Blackhawks.
But do we believe that it’s an isolated incident that ONLY relates to Chicago ?
I’m not that naive
NHL,…. Junior Hockey,…. Minor Hockey, I’m willing to bet have similar episodes, hidden or otherwise.
And I’m willing to bet this doesn’t solely apply to hockey as a sport.
Seemingly every day there’s a variation of this type of story in every possible sport.
Which makes me wonder who can you trust ?
In sports ?… In politics ? …In Law Enforcement ? In Education ?…In Performing Arts ?
It’s a sad way to go into a weekend hearing what we’ve heard and knowing very well there’s more ahead.
In conclusion, parents do your best to keep your eyes on your children, no matter how old, grown up or independent they may be.
For Pete’s Auto Body, I’m Fred Wallace.