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Marian Hossa holds news conference to discuss Kyle Beach; Duncan Keith expresses regret

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TJ Tucker
November 2, 2021  (9:28)
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Marian Hossa, who won a Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawk in 2010, the same year Kyle Beach came forward to the team with accusations of sexual assault by video coach brad Aldrich, is attempting to set the record straight. Hossa was apparently asked enough questions about the situation in his home country of Slovakia that he decided to hold a news conference Tuesday to give a statement.

"First of all, I want to say it's hard to imagine what Kyle had to go through. My fingers are crossed for him to find strength and live a life that will be as little affected as possible by the negative events that I personally condemn," said Hossa.

"As far as I'm concerned, I had no knowledge of these events, and I stand by that," Hossa continued. "I also stated that in my statement to the investigator. You all know my story and you know that at that time I was playing my third consecutive final. I was completely focused on hockey. However, I think it is right that those who knew about this have taken personal responsibility in recent days. Please respect that I will not comment further from now on out of respect for Kyle."

This is the first time it's become known that Hossa was one of the 139 people interviewed by the independent investigators hired by the Blackhawks recently. It was their findings that led to the resignations of GM Stan Bowman, Senior Vice-President Al MacIsaac and former Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville.

One person who did not take part in the Jenner & Block investigation is former Blackhawk and now Edmonton Oiler Duncan Keith. In the beginning, Keith told reporters he had no knowledge of the situation and therefore felt he had nothing to add. It seems he's had a change of heart.

"Keith speaking post game says he regrets not sitting for the interview with Jenner and Block, that if he had a do over he would do it," said TSN's Ryan Rishaug Monday night.