Stan Bowman is back in the NHL after Edmonton's Oilers announced on Wednesday that He was hired as director general of the franchise.
Hiring comes three weeks after Bowman, as well as the former director of the Blackhawks Al Macisaac and former Head coach Joel Quenneville,, were reintegrated by the NHL After being punished by the League in 2021 for their inadequate response to the sexual assault scandal of Chicago Blackhawks.
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All three were prohibited from taking steering positions in the NHL after An independent investigation have shown that they have poorly managed allegations of sexual assault by Former Blackhawk Kyle beach in 2010 Regarding Brad Aldrichthe team's video coach.
“Let me be very clear: what happened to Kyle Beach in 2010 was false, was horrible and was not managed correctly at the time,” said Jeff Jackson, CEO of Hockey Operation, at a press conference on Wednesday. “I think that Stan has recognized and ensured the full responsibility of the inadequate response. But I also know that he spent a lot of time in the two and a half years since then to get down and try to learn.”
The NHL inflicted a fine of the blackhawks $ 2 million And the team Installed with the beach For a sum of unknown money in December 2021.
On July 1, Bowman, Macisaac and Quenneville were officially reinstated and became eligible on July 10 to join a team.
“I can tell you in this room and all those who look at, as well as something I said directly to Kyle Beach, that my answer was inadequate in 2010. I did not manage things correctly. I should have done more. This is something I regret and it is something on which I had the chance to think and try to learn,” said Bowman.
Bowman's work with the respect group
Former Nhler Sheldon Kennedy, who was the victim of sexual abuse By his junior hockey coach, Graham James, is the co-founder of Respect groupwhich allows “people to recognize and prevent intimidation, abuse, harassment and discrimination through online interactive certification”. Last week, he published a declaration on the work he had made with Bowman, Macisaac and Quenneville during their time far from hockey.
“During our many conversations (Bowman) took responsibility for his actions and really wanted to learn to do better. His desire to recognize his mistakes and make amends with Kyle was sincere”, ” said Kennedy in his declaration.
“I believe that Stan would be a precious asset for an organization because of its recognition of past errors and its incessant efforts to make the locker rooms / The game safer for everyone. He has the ideas, the knowledge and confidence necessary to direct in this area. I think that the construction of a strong and healthy culture within an organization and to practice on a basis of shit will be a leading basis.
“Finally and above all, I think that Stan will do everything in his power to ensure that what happened to Kyle Beach (who is a hero in my opinion) will not happen to anyone else.
“I know that wherever Stan landed, whether in the hockey match or not, he will be a real champion in the field of important respect.”
Bowman replaces Ken Holland, who was the director general of the Oilers since 2019 but did not have his contract renewed after the NHL 2023-24 season, who saw the team fall Match 7 of the Stanley Cup final.
