Lawyer for victim shares her client's reaction to the results of Blackhawks investigation

In the wake of an independent report that stated the Chicago Blackhawks completely mishandled accusations of sexual assault against former video coach Brad Aldrich, the player who filed the lawsuit that led to the investigation believes he has been vindicated. That's according to his lawyer Susan Loggans, who appeared on TSN to discuss the findings.

"A combination of relief, a feeling of vindication, a feeling of justice, the fact that David can beat Goliath, gratitude to everyone that's been behind him," said Loggans when asked about her client's feelings on the outcome.

The player, referred to as John Doe 1 in the lawsuit, has not been identified. The independent report released Tuesday only said the he was a 20-year-old "Black Ace" who was called up from the minors during the Blackhawks cup run in 2010. The investigation stated that on May 23, 2010, a meeting was held to discuss allegations of sexual assault made by a player against Aldrich. It included team executives John McDonough, Jay Blunk and Al MacIsaac, general manager Stan Bowman, then-head coach Joel Quenneville, and then-assistant GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, and was convened to determine how the organization would proceed. No action was taken. As a result of the investigation, the NHL has fined Chicago $2 million, while Bowman has resigned as GM of the team and MacIsaac has resigned as Senior Vice-President. The Blackhawks have stated that no personnel from the 2010 team will remain with the organization, while the NHL is planning to hold discussions with now Winnipeg Jets GM Cheveldayoff and Quenneville, now coach of the Florida Panthers, to determine next steps. Loggans said her client is elated at the findings.

"Indescribable," she said when asked about his reaction. "I was texting with him as the hearing was going on and he told me that he was just, you know, crying, that he couldn't believe that the truth finally came out, and all the denials by the Blackhawks and the various members of the management team that have been made ever since he brought this up have finally been shown to be wrong."

Not only did the report state the Blackhawks took no action on the allegations, but John Doe 1 was also taunted by teammates about his experience with Aldrich on the ice during practices. The investigation included interviews with 139 people from past and current players to executives, coaches and other team employees. Investigators also collected over 100 gigabytes of electronic records and 49 boxes of hard copy records. As for the fine and resignations, Loggans said her client has a mixed reaction.

"I think it's really great that the Blackhawks have at this time acknowledged the fault of others. Of course the Wirtz family is denying any personal knowledge of it, that's a different matter. And I think there should be personal responsibility on people's part when something so egregious has been done."

William "Rocky" Wirtz is the principal owner and chairman of the Chicago Blackhawks. He is also president of the Blackhawks' parent company, the Wirtz Corporation, started in 1922 by Arthur Wirtz.

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