League ends ban from not reacting to Brad Aldrich sexual assault of player in 2010.

The National Hockey League announced on Monday that former Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville, former general manager Stan Bowman and former senior vice president of hockey operations Al MacIsaac are eligible to seek employment in the league.

The three were not allowed to work for any NHL team following a decision by commissioner Gary Bettman in October 2021. That resulted from "their inadequate response" after learning in May 2010 that Chicago prospect Kyle Beach, claimed he had been sexually assaulted by the team's then-video coach, Brad Aldrich, during Chicago's playoff run to the Stanley Cup. 

Bettman made the determination after a report on the affair was published on Oct. 26, 2021. Bowman and MacIssac resigned immediately after the report, commissioned by the Blackhawks, was released. 

Quenneville, who was coaching the Florida Panthers at the time, stepped down on Oct. 28 after meeting with Bettman in New York. Quenneville has the second most coaching wins in NHL history at 969.

The Blackhawks were fined $2 million as an organization for mishandling claims by Beach, the team's first-round draft pick, 11th overall in 2008. 

Aldrich was convicted in December 2013 for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old player he had coached in his hometown of Houghton, Michigan, then served nine months in prison.

The NHL issued following statement on Monday:

"While it is clear that, at the time, their responses were unacceptable, each of these three individuals (Messrs. Bowman, MacIsaac and Quenneville) has acknowledged that and 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, particularly personnel who are in positions of leadership. 

"Moreover, each has made significant strides in personal improvement by participating in myriad programs, many of which focused on the imperative of responding in effective and meaningful ways to address alleged acts of abuse. The League expects that they will continue this commitment in any future capacity with the NHL and/or one of our Clubs.

While clubs are free to discuss potential employment opportunities with Messrs. Bowman, MacIsaac and Quenneville effective immediately, they will not be permitted to enter into new employment relationships with any of these individuals until on or after Wednesday, July 10, 2024."

Overwhelmingly, fans wanted to see Quenneville get another chance, per a THN poll. They were split on whether Bowman should have been reinstated. See the following story.