Federal Judge Denies Blackhawks Request To Throw Away Lawsuit

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Hunter Bowman
March 26, 2024 (8:38)

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A judge has ruled against the Chicago Blackhawks bid to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a former player who alleges he was assaulted by a former video coach 15 years ago.

The lawsuit, filed on November 2, 2023, identifies the plaintiff only as "John Doe." It comes nearly two years after the Blackhawks settled a similar lawsuit with Kyle Beach, who also accused former video coach Brad Aldrich of assault.

The team sought to have the lawsuit thrown out, citing the time lapse since the alleged incident, but the judge sided with the player's legal team, citing new information that warranted an extension of the time limit.

"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 player's attorneys countered that the statute of limitations was irrelevant, as the player only recently became aware of the Blackhawks officials' actions in 2010. The law firm representing the player expects the trial to commence around 2026, with plans 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 marks the second lawsuit filed by a player who served as a "Black Ace" for the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2009-10 season. The term refers to extra players on a roster from the AHL or other leagues who can step into the lineup as needed due to injuries or other circumstances.

Source: Judge Denies Chicago Blackhawks Request to Throw Out Lawsuit