Kyle Beach reveals he is the player suing the Chicago Blackhawks over sex assault

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Kyle Beach #12 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates against the Detroit Red Wings during a preseason game on Sept. 24, 2010 at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.

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Nearly painted and completed, the Chicago Blackhawks logo slowly appears on the ice.

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The 2010 Stanley Cup Championship banner is seen during a ceremony before the Chicago Blackhawks season home opening game against the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center on Oct. 9, 2010 in Chicago.

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The 2010 Stanley Cup Championship banner is seen during a ceremony before the Chicago Blackhawks season home opening game against the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center on Oct. 9, 2010 in Chicago.

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Only later in June did the Blackhawks’ director of human resources meet with Aldrich and offer him the chance to undergo an investigation into what happened with Beach or to resign.

Aldrich resigned, but received a severance and a playoff bonus, and continued to be paid a salary for several months. He was allowed to bring the Stanley Cup for a day in his hometown, his name was engraved on the trophy, he received a championship ring and he attended a Stanley Cup banner-raising ceremony.

He went on to work with USA Hockey, the University of Notre Dame, Miami University in Ohio, and Houghton High School in Houghton, Mich. While in Houghton, Aldrich was arrested and pleaded guilty to fourth degree criminal sexual conduct involving a minor in 2013.

Beach said Aldrich’s arrest for the incident in Michigan gave him the power to come forward.

Former top team officials also moved on to other teams. Quenneville is the coach of the Florida Panthers, and Cheveldayoff is the Winnipeg Jets general manager. Both men are scheduled to meet with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman about the findings of the investigation.

Beach is looking to the future

After Beach’s interview, the Blackhawks issued a statement apologizing for their failure to quickly respond to his assault.

The team said: «It was inexcusable for the then-executives of the Blackhawks organization to delay taking action regarding the reported sexual misconduct. No playoff game or championship is more important than protecting our players and staff from predatory behavior.»

On Twitter, self-described fans and other users heavily criticized the team for its actions with Beach and for their statement.

According to journalist Rick Westhead who interviewed Beach Wednesday, the the Blackhawks’ lawyers requested a court dismiss the lawsuits of Beach and an unnamed alleged victim of Aldrich. This was reportedly done to discuss a settlement for both men.

For now, Beach is looking to the future. He said he’d like to turn his story into an opportunity to help other potential victims.

«I know I’m not the only one, male or female. And I buried this for 10 years, 11 years. And it’s destroyed me from the inside out,» he said. «And I want everybody to know in the sports world and in the world that you’re not alone. That if these things happen to you, you need to speak up.»