Gary Bettman vows change is coming to the NHL

The NHL has no doubt taken a hit from the Kyle Beach-Chicago Blackhawks sexual assault scandal, and deservedly so. It's clear the situation wasn't handled properly from the very beginning. While speaking at the Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Monday night, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman vowed that changes are being made.

"What happened to Kyle Beach 11 years ago was unacceptable," Bettman said in his speech. "Kyle has our gratitude in coming forward. We mourn his pain and with him, we look to the future. We are looked at as an example for society and communities even beyond hockey.

"That begins with acknowledging what wrongs are committed and ensuring they are handled with empathy, respect, and inclusion. Our normal for Kyle and anyone else must always be vigilant to make sure that everyone understands what is and is not acceptable so that our game is always welcoming and inclusive to all. Our normal must be to learn from the past and do better in the future."

Bettman has met with Beach to determine what the NHL can do better in the future, while the NHLPA has also launched an internal investigation. Meanwhile, a hotline that the league encouraged players and staff to use following the Beach revelations has already taken down former Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray for "inappropriate professional behaviour."

Source: ESPN

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