Stan Bowman, recently reinstated by the NHL less than three years after a report on a Chicago Blackhawks sexual assault scandal, was hired Wednesday as general manager and executive vice president of hockey operations of the Edmonton Oilers.
Bowman had stepped down as Blackhawks GM in October 2021 after an investigation done by an outside law firm determined several team leaders failed to respond promptly to allegations that an assistant coach sexually assaulted a player in 2010. The player later revealed himself to be Kyle Beach, and the coach was revealed to be video coach Brad Aldrich.
The NHL on July 1 cleared Bowman, coach Joel Quenneville and executive Al MacIsaac to seek employment in the league.
It said each ‘used his time away from the game to engage in activities which, not only demonstrate sincere remorse for what happened, but also evidence greater awareness of the responsibilities that all NHL personnel have.’
Bowman is the first of the three to be hired. He is joining a team that reached Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final before losing to the Florida Panthers. He replaces Ken Holland, whose contract was allowed to expire.
All things Oilers: Latest Edmonton Oilers news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.
Bowman, the son of Hall of Fame coach Scotty Bowman, won Stanley Cup titles with the Blackhawks in 2010, 2013 and 2015.
Jeff Jackson, Oilers CEO of hockey operations, praised Bowman’s hockey experience during a Wednesday news conference but also acknowledged what happened in Chicago.
‘What happened to Kyle Beach in 2010 was wrong,’ Jackson said. ‘It was horrible. It wasn’t handled properly at the time. I think Stan has acknowledged and taken full responsibility for the inadequate response. But I also know that he spent a great deal of time in the 2 ½ years since then to educate himself, to try to learn.“
Former NHL player Sheldon Kennedy of the Respect Group recently said Bowman had worked with his organization and he gave him an endorsement for a return to the NHL.
‘I believe Stan would be a valuable asset to an organization due to his acknowledgment of past mistakes and his relentless efforts to make the locker room/game safer for everyone,’ said Kennedy, whose organization trains people on their roles and responsibilities to prevent bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination. ‘He possesses the insights, knowledge, and confidence needed to lead in this area.’
Bowman said in addition to working with Kennedy, he has worked with Beach, who became a coach.
‘My response was inadequate back in 2010,’ Bowman said. ‘I didn’t handle things properly. I should have done more and that’s something I regret and that’s something I’ve had a chance to reflect on and try to learn from. … I can tell you without a doubt that those things will never happen on my watch again.’
Jackson has made moves to solidify the roster. But star Leon Draisaitl becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer and is eligible for an extension.
‘Leon’s a star player and he’s top priority for me,’ Bowman said. ‘I want Leon to be an Oiler for life.’
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
