Agent wonders why list of interviewees for Blackhawks investigation didn't include NHL Commissioner

According to several reports, close to 140 people were interviewed as part of the independent investigation into accusations of sexual assault by Kyle Beach against former Chicago Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich. However, one central figure was left off that list, and an agent is wondering why.

"I have a question that needs to be asked," said Allan Walsh, who represents names such as Marc-Andre Fleury, Max Pacioretty, Jonathan Drouin and several others. "Why didn't the Jenner & Block Chicago investigators interview [NHL Commissioner] Gary Bettman? What did Gary Bettman know and when did he first know it? Let's get that on the record."

Walsh is a very outspoken figure in the hockey world and has a tendency to speak before thinking sometimes. However, in this case, his point seems valid. Beach stated in his interview with TSN that all executives with the Blackhawks were aware of his accusations against Aldrich, and also stated that he brought those concerns to the NHLPA, the union representing players. Given the serious nature of Beach's concerns and the number of channels he went through, it's difficult to believe that Bettman was not made aware of it somewhere along the lines. Bettman was the NHL's Commissioner in 2010 when the allegations were made. In fact, he's been in the position since 1993, almost 30 years in total.

On the other side of the coin, the independent investigation was undertaken to determine when the Blackhawks knew about the situation and why something wasn't done at the time. It's possible that interviewees were limited to those who were within the Chicago organization; players, staff and others.

Walsh also criticized a memo sent to all teams stating that unlawful activity should be reported to the NHL right away. Walsh contends it should be reported to law enforcement, not the NHL.

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