Stan Bowman hired as new Oilers GM 3 years after Blackhawks sexual assault scandal

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Stan Bowman hired as new Oilers GM 3 years after Blackhawks sexual assault scandal

Stan Bowman is returning to the NHL after the Edmonton Oilers announced Wednesday that he was hired as general manager of the franchise.

The hiring comes three weeks after Bowman, along with former Blackhawks executive Al MacIsaac and former head coach Joël Quenneville, were reinstated by the NHL after being punished by the league in 2021 for his inadequate response to the Chicago Blackhawks sexual assault scandal.

All three were banned from holding executive positions in the NHL after an independent investigation showed that they mishandled sexual assault allegations by former Blackhawk Kyle Beach in 2010 Regarding Brad Aldrichthe team’s video coach at the time.

“Let me be very clear: What happened to Kyle Beach in 2010 was wrong, horrible and was not handled properly at the time,” Jeff Jackson, Oilers CEO of hockey operations, said during a press conference on Wednesday. “I think Stan recognized and took full responsibility for that inadequate response. But I also know that he spent a lot of time over the next two and a half years educating himself and trying to learn. “

The NHL fined the Blackhawks $2 million and the team set with Beach for an undisclosed amount in December 2021.

On July 1, Bowman, MacIsaac and Quenneville were officially reinstated and became eligible on July 10 to join a team.

“I can tell you in this room and everyone watching, as well as something I said directly to Kyle Beach, that my response was inadequate in 2010. I didn’t handle things properly. I would have “I had to do more. It’s something I regret and it’s something I’ve had a chance to reflect on and try to learn from,” Bowman said.

Former NHL player Sheldon Kennedy, who was a victim of sexual abuse by his junior hockey coach, Graham James, is the co-founder of Respect groupwhich allows “people to recognize and prevent bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination through interactive online certification.” Last week, he released a statement about the work he had done with Bowman, MacIsaac and Quenneville during their time away from hockey.

“Throughout our many conversations (Bowman) took responsibility for his actions and sincerely wanted to learn how to do better. His desire to own up to his mistakes and make amends with Kyle was sincere,” he added. Kennedy said in his statement.

“I believe Stan would be a valuable asset to an organization because of his recognition of past mistakes and his relentless efforts to make the locker room and game safer for everyone. He has the ideas, knowledge and confidence to to lead in this area. I believe that building a strong and healthy culture within an organization and practicing it on an ongoing basis will be a top priority for Stan. I also believe that Stan will convey this message within the ecosystem. hockey, which can only help.

“Last but not least, I think Stan will do everything in his power to make sure what happened to Kyle Beach (who is a hero in my opinion) doesn’t happen to anyone else.

“I know that wherever Stan lands, whether in hockey or not, he will be a true champion in the important area of ​​respect.”

Bowman replaces Ken Holland, who had been the Oilers’ general manager since 2019 but whose contract was not renewed following the 2023-24 NHL season, which saw the team fall. Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.

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