Another former Chicago Blackhawks player has accused the organization of turning a blind eye to his accusations of sexual misconduct against former coach Brad Aldrich.
The team "put Stanley Cup Championship aspirations ahead of the welfare of its players and provided cover to a sexual predator on its coaching staff who groomed, harassed, threatened, and assaulted John Does," says the lawsuit, filed in Cook County Circuit Court, by an anonymous plaintiff.
The alleged harassment occurred during the the 2009-2010 season and the 2010 Stanley Cup playoff and final, the suit says.
Aldrich joined the Blackhawks in 2008, according to the suit.
"In or around April and May 2010, Coach Aldrich repeatedly invited players and young interns working for [the Blackhawks] to his private residence where they discussed Blackhawks’ business and strategies," the suit says.
Aldrich "used his authority as a coach to groom, harass, threaten, and assault John Doe for sexual gratification," the lawsuit states.
Among other allegations, the lawsuit alleges the former coach at one point approached John Doe from behind "grabbed him in a hugging gesture, and ground his penis against JOHN DOE’s back and buttocks through his clothes," the lawsuit states.
The lawsuit seeks damages of more than $50,000, plus legal fees.
The lawsuit marks the second such legal action launched against the Blackhawks over Aldrich's alleged abuse. In 2021, the Blackhawks settled a lawsuit brought by former player Kyle Beach, bringing similar accusations against the team and Aldrich.
Doe is represented by attorney Jason J. Friedl, of Romanucci & Blandin LLC, of Chicago.