(Audacy) Panthers coach Joel Quenneville resigned Thursday night hours after meeting with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to discuss his involvement in a sexual abuse scandal that has rocked the Blackhawks and the sport.
Quenneville coached the Blackhawks from 2008 to 2018. Former player Kyle Beach recently came forward as the “John Doe” who filed a lawsuit alleging repeated sexual abuse by then-video coach Brad Aldrich in 2010. The results of an investigation found that Blackhawks senior executive leaders were aware of the allegations against Aldrich but swept it under the rug, feeling it would cause a “distraction” as the team pursued a Stanley Cup title. Aldrich, who pled guilty to criminal sexual conduct with an underaged high school player in 2013, was allowed to celebrate the team’s victory, participating in their championship parade and even having his name appear on the Stanley Cup.
Quenneville, who won three titles during his time with the Blackhawks, told the Associated Press in July that he had just learned of the troubling allegations against Aldrich, though the league’s investigation revealed that to be untrue. In an emotional interview with TSN, Beach was adamant Quenneville knew of Aldrich’s abuse and did nothing to stop it.
The Panthers shielded Quenneville from the media after their game Wednesday, reading a prepared statement and declining all questions. It’s unclear who will be behind the bench when the Panthers visit the Red Wings Friday night, though according to Kevin Weekes of ESPN, the team is expected to pursue former Rangers and Lightning coach John Tortorella as Quenneville’s replacement. A former defenseman who played 13 years in the NHL, Quenneville stands as the second-winningest coach in league history, trailing only Scotty Bowman in career victories. The Panthers own the league’s best record at a perfect 7-0.
The Blackhawks, who have yet to win a game this season (0-5-2), were assessed a $2-million fine for what Bettman described as "inadequate internal procedures and insufficient and untimely response in the handling of matters” related to Aldrich’s abuse. As a result, Stan Bowman stepped down from his post as president of hockey operations and will no longer be involved with the U.S. Olympic team headed to Beijing this winter.
In addressing his departure, Quenneville released the following statement:
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy app
Sign up and follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram