Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton laments over Bowman's departure, but knows it had to happen

Following comments from Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy and forward Alex DeBrincat on Wednesday, head coach Jeremy Colliton had a chance to speak on the resignation of long-time Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman following the release of the independent investigation into the sexual assault allegations against former Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich back in 2010.

While Murphy chose to focus on the victims and DeBrincat acknowledged that it was the right decision for Bowman and the Blackhawks to part ways, Colliton struggled with his emotions relating Bowman's departure.

"Stan's the one who gave me the chance to come [here]...and he's been a great mentor," Colliton said on Wednesday. "I feel bad for him. Obviously, what's in the report, it's tough to read. The Stan I know, that's not his values."

Colliton may take some heat for the way he appeared to empathize with Bowman, despite the fact that Bowman had a hand in covering for Aldrich and his sick indiscretions, but human emotions are complex - and with Bowman being such an influential person in Colliton's life and career, some mixed emotions are certainly understandable.

Colliton also made it clear that he did not condone Bowman's actions and the actions of the other executives from the 2010 Blackhawks, adding that the environment in Chicago is not now what it was then.

"What's in the report, it's unacceptable. That's without debate. As far as the Blackhawks organization now...it's not how we run things."

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