Hockey "Culture" and Sexual Assault

cshea

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
36,047
306, row 14
The NHLPA is opening an independent investigation into their handling of the Beach case.

View: https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1455318666006904832?s=20


I'm not sure what their full involvement was, but it sounds like they also dropped the ball. Friedman/Marek had a podcast over the weekend and said that Beach's agent reported the abuse to officials at the NHLPA. It sounds like Fehr was in the loop and sent a NHLPA doctor to speak with Beach. Then it gets murky and there are doctor/patient privilidge issues and it they didn't seem to know what happened after Beach and the doctor met, and who knew what. and when.
 

cshea

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
36,047
306, row 14
Bill Guerin, Mario Lemieux, Ron Burkle are being named as defendant's in civil litigation regarding a sexual abuse mishandling. There was alleged sexual assault by Wilkes-Barre AHL coach John "Clark" Donatelli. The suit is being filed by the ex-wife of an assistant coach on the team who says the organization told the other coaches to keep quiet about the allegations.

View: https://twitter.com/wyshynski/status/1455536490310742029?s=20

Edit: This sexual assualt/hockey culture discussion should probably be broken out into it's own thread.
 
Last edited:

LogansDad

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
29,067
Alamogordo
It does need its own thread, especially since Bettman gave, quite possibly, the worst possible interview he could have given on it yesterday, culminating in this:

The topic was the child former Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich sexually assaulted, three years after Beach said Aldrich did the same to him, three years after the Blackhawks let Aldrich get on with his life’s work, three years after they abandoned Beach when he asked for help and they said “no.”

“I understand in your call with Kyle Beach and his attorney on Saturday that you assured him that Kyle and his family would have counseling for as long as needed because of this,” Westhead asked Bettman.

“And I wonder if right now, you’re publicly willing to make the same commitment to the boy who was abused by Brad Aldrich in 2013, and to his family.”

Bettman could’ve said anything in response, so long as it started with the word “yes.”

Here’s what we got: “I would have to know more about that circumstance. I am more focused, because of the circumstances in front of us, on what happened in the NHL environment. I certainly wouldn’t rule it out. I certainly would need to know more information”

Got that? Bettman would prefer to do his own research on a case involving the sexual assault of a child, already investigated, already tried and already ruled upon by a Michigan court. Aldrich was found guilty there, three years after the NHL let him walk without papers. He has nine months of jail time to prove it, a fact Daly said the league was unaware of until the civil suit was filed in May.

There was more: “Having said that, making our resources available is something that I would probably — not even knowing all the facts — want to do, but I think I’d need to know more before I could make the type of blanket commitment you’re asking me for.”
Just an incredibly tone deaf, and gross statement, and people should be demanding his head for this.
 

Dummy Hoy

Angry Pissbum
SoSH Member
Jul 22, 2006
8,232
Falmouth
Honestly, this should bring the whole leadership of this league down- not even just for how they handled things in 2010 but how they're handling it now. Bettman- gone. Daly- gone. Fehr- gone.
 

cshea

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
36,047
306, row 14
We'll see what comes of the lawsuit against Pittsburgh. Per wiki, the suit claims Clark Donatelli (WBS head coach) assaulted the (now ex) wife of assistant coach Jarrod Skalde. There was a lag in reporting this to Guerin who was Pittsburgh's AGM at the time, and oversaw the AHL team. Apparently Skalde confronted Donatelli about the incident and was under the impression Donatelli would report it to the Penguins. When Donatelli failed to do so, Skalde went to Guerin. The suit alleges Guerin told Skalde to keep quiet and surpress the allegations. It also alleges the Penguins were aware of other episodes of inappropriate behavior by Donatelli that the Penguins did nothing to stop.

The Penguins public response today is that they were made aware of the allegations 7-months after the incident. They launched an investigation that led to Donatelli's resignation within 72-hours.

View: https://twitter.com/KatieJStrang/status/1455559946951593987?s=20
 

cshea

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
36,047
306, row 14
On a more local note, Bergeron and Cassidy had the team watch the Westhead/Beach interview as a group. Maybe I'm naive, but I'd like to think the leadership that's been in place for the past 15-20 years wouldn't have allowed for this to happen under their watch and that the Bruins are ahead of the curve in changing NHL and hockey culture. Again, maybe being naive and ignorant here.

View: https://twitter.com/ConorRyan_93/status/1455568645946494976?s=20
 

McDrew

Set Adrift on Memory Bliss
SoSH Member
Apr 11, 2006
4,060
Portland, OR
On a more local note, Bergeron and Cassidy had the team watch the Westhead/Beach interview as a group. Maybe I'm naive, but I'd like to think the leadership that's been in place for the past 15-20 years wouldn't have allowed for this to happen under their watch and that the Bruins are ahead of the curve in changing NHL and hockey culture. Again, maybe being naive and ignorant here.

View: https://twitter.com/ConorRyan_93/status/1455568645946494976?s=20
Came here to post the tweet. You beat me to it. Zdeno's "we don't haze rookies" mandate has remained for over a decade and is a big reason (along with this) I want to believe the Bruins are better than the Blackhawks. I'd claim that this was more than "team" building, it was "human" building, and that's important too.

Edit: Sources:
https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/bruins/chara-doesnt-term-rookie-and-its-part-bruins-success
https://www.inc.com/adam-vaccaro/dont-say-rookie-a-management-lesson-from-the-boston-bruins.html
 

burstnbloom

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 12, 2005
2,761
On a more local note, Bergeron and Cassidy had the team watch the Westhead/Beach interview as a group. Maybe I'm naive, but I'd like to think the leadership that's been in place for the past 15-20 years wouldn't have allowed for this to happen under their watch and that the Bruins are ahead of the curve in changing NHL and hockey culture. Again, maybe being naive and ignorant here.

View: https://twitter.com/ConorRyan_93/status/1455568645946494976?s=20
I want this to be true as well and it's going to take some evidence to the contrary for me to think otherwise. This leadership group tends to say the right thing about controversial subjects and their behavior seems consistent with a more progressive culture. Who knows though?

I don't think Bettman will suffer any consequences but his performance yesterday was unbelievably bad. Couple the stuff posted up thread, the lying about the Akim Aliu investigation is another black mark. Not a good week for a terrible guy.
 

Dummy Hoy

Angry Pissbum
SoSH Member
Jul 22, 2006
8,232
Falmouth
Honestly? I like it even more than just erasing him. Every time someone sees the Cup now, they'll see his name and be reminded of what he did. He will forever be associated with his actions, and the Cup will serve as a reminder.
Sure, I can see that.

My issue is that this smells like someone saying 'well, we got rid of the problem!' when in the end he was a small part of the problem. They should cross Quenville's name off too, along with any of the administrators that were involved...to me that would send an actual message.
 

Van Everyman

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2009
26,993
Newton
You may be right, but the President of the club on the receiving end of this treatment said this in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette about why the coach and him did what they did:

Mitchell said he spoke with security personnel after the game to express his displeasure.

“As much as I wanted to push back right during the game, that might have escalated things and made it worse,” Mitchell said. “You never know what might happen in today’s society. … I’m so displeased that no one from Armstrong, not a parent or board member, spoke up to say to those students, ‘You’re going over your boundaries.’”
It's worth reading that whole article.
 

Myt1

educated, civility-loving ass
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Mar 13, 2006
41,578
South Boston
Sure, I can see that.

My issue is that this smells like someone saying 'well, we got rid of the problem!' when in the end he was a small part of the problem. They should cross Quenville's name off too, along with any of the administrators that were involved...to me that would send an actual message.
I like it, but that’s partly because of the historical geekage associated with the time-honored practice.
 

Dogman

Yukon Cornelius
Moderator
SoSH Member
Mar 19, 2004
15,182
Missoula, MT
That culture existed when he skated for DHS. I'm sure those exact titles were a bit different at that time (graduated in 1991) but the same things happened. How do I know? I grew up in Danvers and know him well. He was and is exactly like these teens. The kicker is he is a Danvers cop and still the DHS school resource officer. His resignation was the work of the Danvers Police Chief to protect the department and shield their own from further scrutiny so that this story could be swept under the rug.

I just moved back to Danvers and this is a big story with those that are fine with the "boys will be boys" bullshit and those that are tired of people and these behaviours never being held accountable.
 

Bozo Texino

still hates Dave Kerpen
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 18, 2005
11,730
Austin, Texas
That culture existed when he skated for DHS. I'm sure those exact titles were a bit different at that time (graduated in 1991) but the same things happened. How do I know? I grew up in Danvers and know him well. He was and is exactly like these teens. The kicker is he is a Danvers cop and still the DHS school resource officer. His resignation was the work of the Danvers Police Chief to protect the department and shield their own from further scrutiny so that this story could be swept under the rug.

I just moved back to Danvers and this is a big story with those that are fine with the "boys will be boys" bullshit and those that are tired of people and these behaviours never being held accountable.
Thanks for the information. I'm glad more stories like this are finally seeing the light of day.
 

barbed wire Bob

crippled by fear
SoSH Member
That culture existed when he skated for DHS. I'm sure those exact titles were a bit different at that time (graduated in 1991) but the same things happened. How do I know? I grew up in Danvers and know him well. He was and is exactly like these teens. The kicker is he is a Danvers cop and still the DHS school resource officer. His resignation was the work of the Danvers Police Chief to protect the department and shield their own from further scrutiny so that this story could be swept under the rug.

I just moved back to Danvers and this is a big story with those that are fine with the "boys will be boys" bullshit and those that are tired of people and these behaviours never being held accountable.
Got tired of living in Missoula?
 

Dogman

Yukon Cornelius
Moderator
SoSH Member
Mar 19, 2004
15,182
Missoula, MT
Needed a change. I love and miss it but it will always be there should I ever decide to go back.

I will visit often.
 

LogansDad

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
29,067
Alamogordo
John Doe 2's mom is, rightfully, furious with the NHL and, in particular, with Bettman.

“I think he needs a new job, that he needs to retire,” the player's mother told TSN. “I don’t think he has empathy for kids, or even young adults.



"And if he needs more information, I got a whole folder full of it here for him he can read. I’ve got the court documents of the conviction. If he needs more information to help my son, I have it."
 

burstnbloom

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 12, 2005
2,761
I just watched that interview with John Doe 2's mom and Rick Westhead and its difficult to contain my anger. I'm sorry they all need to go. Joel Quenville should be so ashamed of himself for writing this piece of shit a recommendation. I hope he realizes how awful that is. It completely negates any positive things he ever did for the sport. This awful story just gets worse and worse. Disgusting.
 

Van Everyman

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2009
26,993
Newton
I'm assuming it's the slippery slope argument, but yeah, that's bad.

I'd be interested to know what Mark Chipman has to say about that. He struck a pretty different tone than anyone else and is the head of the executive committee.
 

Van Everyman

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2009
26,993
Newton
Meanwhile, it look like things are heating up on the North Shore.

I'll never understand how institutions think stories like this won't get out. So, so shortsighted.
I have no idea who said this because it’s not in the article or video segment (assume it’s a parent) but this is a very well stated reason for why the superintendent should go:

“The hockey players, they’re young. They make mistakes. Things happen. But what I think these kids really deserve is a fresh start. A few adults in this room have to take responsibility. Give these kids the second chance they deserve, be honorable, and resign. This is embarrassing.”
 

LogansDad

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
29,067
Alamogordo
Whaaaat the fuck. I really don't know if I can support this league anymore. The Bruins are basically the only winter thing I look forward to, and I seriously need to determine if I am willing to give that up.

Sorry for the selfish statement, obviously others are harmed by this whole thing much more than I am, but this is such a ridiculous stance for the NHL to take. Fuck every person who helped lead to this decision.
 

Dogman

Yukon Cornelius
Moderator
SoSH Member
Mar 19, 2004
15,182
Missoula, MT
You know what? You're absolutely right. I even said as much in one of my earlier posts.

I guess I was myopically thinking in terms of the modern social media/MEDIA media environment. Apologies.
Well Endicott College was home to the Danvers Hockey Team.

Not anymore.

Actions and inactions have consequences. This is great news, IMO. The college doesn't want to be seen supporting this bullshit and I applaud them for that. The current team is made up of some kids who were part of that culture and while this does punish the current team, it is a necessary step. However, aside from Baldessare resigning voluntarily, nobody has been held accountable. This forces the school board's hand to do more or face serious public scrutiny.
 

jezza1918

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
2,608
South Dartmouth, MA
Well Endicott College was home to the Danvers Hockey Team.

Not anymore.

Actions and inactions have consequences. This is great news, IMO. The college doesn't want to be seen supporting this bullshit and I applaud them for that. The current team is made up of some kids who were part of that culture and while this does punish the current team, it is a necessary step. However, aside from Baldessare resigning voluntarily, nobody has been held accountable. This forces the school board's hand to do more or face serious public scrutiny.
As a former coach there, but not local to the area anymore, thanks for bringing this news to the thread. I've had some issues with some of their stances since I left the school and I wasn't holding my breath on them doing something like this, but very pleased with this decision and makes me want to get up there soon to watch both teams compete (FYI for those that are close by, it ain't BC or BU, but it's a pretty decent product on the ice).
 

Haunted

The Man in the Box
SoSH Member
Aug 23, 2006
6,196
Whaaaat the fuck. I really don't know if I can support this league anymore. The Bruins are basically the only winter thing I look forward to, and I seriously need to determine if I am willing to give that up.

Sorry for the selfish statement, obviously others are harmed by this whole thing much more than I am, but this is such a ridiculous stance for the NHL to take. Fuck every person who helped lead to this decision.
I'm with you. I canceled my Fubo subscription and won't be part of the NHL this year. I know this doesn't mean anything in the scheme of things, but I cannot be a part of this.
 

The Napkin

wise ass al kaprielian
Moderator
SoSH Member
Jul 13, 2002
28,535
right here
@AnaheimDucks

We have placed Executive Vice President and General Manager Bob Murray on administrative leave pending an ongoing investigation.

 
Last edited:

The Napkin

wise ass al kaprielian
Moderator
SoSH Member
Jul 13, 2002
28,535
right here
@NHL_Watcher

Dreger on Insider Trading: "It sounds like, according to source, that the allegations are based on how Bob Murray, GM of the Anaheim Ducks, dealt with coaches, staff members, the threatening of job security, allegations of aberration, that type of behaviour"
 

Van Everyman

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2009
26,993
Newton
@NHL_Watcher

Dreger on Insider Trading: "It sounds like, according to source, that the allegations are based on how Bob Murray, GM of the Anaheim Ducks, dealt with coaches, staff members, the threatening of job security, allegations of aberration, that type of behaviour"
WTF does “allegations of aberration” mean?

Meanwhile, the Globe and Holher continue to do a nice job reporting on the Danvers story:https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/11/08/sports/danvers-leaders-come-under-fire-response-hockey-teams-alleged-misconduct/
 

mauf

Anderson Cooper × Mr. Rogers
Moderator
SoSH Member
I'm with you. I canceled my Fubo subscription and won't be part of the NHL this year. I know this doesn't mean anything in the scheme of things, but I cannot be a part of this.
If you feel strongly enough to do this, you should take a few minutes to write a letter to let them know. Not because you owe that to them, but because knowing they lost a serious fan over this might change behavior.