Judge Denies Chicago Blackhawks Request to Throw Out Lawsuit

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TJ Tucker
March 25, 2024 (6:41 PM)

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A judge has denied the Chicago Blackhawks' request to throw out a lawsuit filed by a former player who claims he was assaulted by a former video coach 15 years ago.

The lawsuit was filed back on Nov. 2, 2023, with the plaintiff being referred to in documents as "John Doe." The lawsuit came almost two years to the day that the the Chicago Blackhawks reached a settlement with Kyle Beach after he filed a lawsuit saying he was assaulted by the same former video coach. The video coach in questions is Brad Aldrich. The Blackhawks wanted the suit thrown out due to the time that had passed before it was filed, but the player's lawyer said added information meant the time limit should be extended. The judge agreed with the player's lawyer.

"The Blackhawks wrote in their filing that the player filed his lawsuit 13 years after he was allegedly assaulted by Aldrich. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years, the team wrote.

The player's lawyers argued that the limitations period was moot because the player didn't learn until more recently about the behind-the-scenes actions of Blackhawks officials in 2010." - Rick Westhead, TSN

The law firm representing the player said it would likely be 2026 before the lawsuit went to trial, if it got that far. In the meantime, he said the plan would be to subpoena Kyle Beach.

"I'm sure that it would be difficult for Kyle, but I'm also sure he would be able to testify about how this was a problem that extended beyond his own situation,' [Jason] Friedl said." Rick Westhead, TSN

This is the second player to come forward and file a lawsuit who served as a "Black Ace" for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2009-10. The term refers to extra players on a roster from the AHL or other leagues whose season has ended and can step into the lineup any time in the event of injuries, suspensions, etc.