Stan Bowman became the first former Blackhawks executive implicated in the 2010 sexual assault scandal to be rehired by an NHL team on Wednesday. The Oilers named the 51-year-old as their new general manager less than three years after he resigned over his improper handling of Kyle Veach’s allegations against then-video coach Brad Aldrich.
Earlier this month, the NHL indefinitely banned Bowman, former Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville and former executive Al Macksac from the league before reinstating them.
According to an independent investigation commissioned by the Blackhawks and detailed in the Jenner & Block report, three people, including Blackhawks president John McDonough, executive Jay Blank and assistant general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, were informed of Veach’s allegations after the Blackhawks won the Western Conference finals in 2010 and advanced to the Stanley Cup final.
The allegations were not addressed and Aldrich was allowed to stay in his job, but the report said Quenneville voiced concerns about making the playoffs over the safety of his players.
Not only does Aldrich have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup, but he also has the day to receive the trophy, just like every other player on a winning club.
Three years later, Aldrich was convicted of criminal sexual conduct with a 16-year-old high school hockey player he had previously coached in Michigan.
“While it is clear that their responses at the time were unacceptable, each of these three individuals has acknowledged this and used their time away from the game to not only demonstrate sincere remorse for what occurred but also engage in activities to better recognize the responsibility held by all NHL employees, particularly those in leadership positions,” the NHL news release said. “In addition, each has grown significantly as an individual by participating in a number of programs focused on the need to respond to allegations of abusive behavior in an effective and meaningful manner.”
Bowman replaces Ken Holland, who did not sign a contract extension with the Oilers after their loss to the Panthers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
Multiple reports have said Quenneville and Bowman are actively trying to reach a settlement with the NHL. Bowman, who also stepped down as general manager of the U.S. Olympic men’s ice hockey team in 2021, was reported as a candidate for general manager last summer but nothing came of it so far.
“We are excited to welcome Stan to the Edmonton Oilers,” Oilers CEO of hockey operations Jeff Jackson said in the team’s announcement. “His extensive experience and proven track record in this role, as well as the significant work he has accomplished during his time away from playing, align well with our goal of being best in class in all aspects of our organization.”
“Through our many conversations, we share a common vision of where we are as a team and what it takes to win another Stanley Cup title.”
If you live in New York State and have been sexually assaulted, you can receive free, confidential crisis counseling by calling 1-800-942-6906. If you live outside of New York State, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-800-656-4673.
