Rangers Roundup: Former Wolf Pack Kyle Beach comes forward in Blackhawks investigation; Jeff Gorton possible Chicago GM; and more
The New York Rangers acquired forward Kyle Beach from Chicago in exchange for forward Brandon Mashinter on December 6th, 2013. Unbeknownst to many in hockey, the 23 year-old was the victim of a sexual assault back in 2010 in the Blackhawks organization.
Beach played one season for the Wolf Pack in the AHL where he scored 7 points in 39 games. He left for Austria the very next year.
Kyle Beach comes forward as Blackhawks John Doe
Beach, 31, revealed himself Wednesday as the “John Doe” in the sexual assault investigation that enveloped the NHL and the Chicago Blackhawks franchise this week.
Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman left the organization in the aftermath of Tuesday’s report. Senior vice president of hockey operations Al MacIsaac also left his position. The NHL also fined the organization $2 Million based on the investigations findings.
“(Tuesday,) it was a day of many emotions,” Beach told TSN. “I cried, I smiled, I laughed, I cried some more. My girlfriend and I, we didn’t really know how to feel, we didn’t really know how to think.”
The courage and strength Beach showed to come forward needs to be commended. Hockey failed to support him for a long time, it is way past due to show him the love and support he deserves.
Panthers coach Joel Quenneville and Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will be meeting with the NHL for their roles in the report.
Jeff Gorton possible next Blackhawks GM
In the wake of the report, Stan Bowman “stepped aside” as Blackhawks President and GM. Chicago will be looking for his replacement and one name climbing the top of the list is recently dismissed Rangers GM Jeff Gorton.
Gorton took over as the Rangers full time GM in July of 2015. He ushered in the biggest change in franchise history when they finally did the unthinkable in New York – announced a rebuild.
Aside from key moves like acquiring Mika Zibanejad and Adam Fox for basically songs, he took a barren prospect pipeline and stocked it with some high-end talent. Getting lucky by winning the lottery aside, Gorton is considered one of the best executives in the game today.
Two other former Rangers are also being discussed for the job. Eddie Olcyck of the 1994 Champion Rangers and former goalie Kevin Weekes.
NHL Recap
Catch up on all of Wednesday’s scores here.
-Field Level Media contributed to this report.
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