Hockey coach Joel Quenneville speaks out for the first time since getting hired by the Ducks, addressing the controversy surrounding his return to the NHL.
In the forthcoming hockey season, Joe Quenneville, renowned for his two-decade tenure in the NHL, returns to the game as the new head coach of the Anaheim Ducks. This decision, though, isn't without controversy, unsurprisingly.
Quenneville was let go by the Florida Panthers and faced a ban from the NHL due to his role in concealing a sexual assault scandal that transpired during his stint with the Chicago Blackhawks. The league commissioner, Gary Bettman, reinstated Quenneville last summer, paving the way for the Ducks to be the first team to re-employ him.
Despite the controversy, plenty of hockey enthusiasts and analysts remain dissatisfied with the hiring, even after Quenneville has made amends for his past mistakes. The NHL, nonetheless, welcomed him back, and the Ducks reached out to Kris Beach, the player allegedly sexually assaulted by former Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich in 2010, as the Blackhawks neared their first of three Stanley Cups under Quenneville's guidance.
During his official press conference, Quenneville addressed the scandal and the dissent from those skeptical of his return to the NHL. "What happened to Kyle Beach was abhorrent and inexcusable," Quenneville admitted. "Had I known, I would have taken immediate action. I acknowledge my errors. I believe wholeheartedly that the issue was addressed by management, but I take full responsibility for not inquiring further. That's on me entirely."
Quenneville then explained how he has been in touch with Beach frequently over the years, even speaking to him before his press conference. "I aim to demonstrate my character through my actions," Quenneville pledged. "We will strive to be a team this community can be proud of, both on and off the ice."
There's no denying that we must trust Quenneville's words, and if you're a believer in redemption, it's heartening to see one of the NHL's all-time great coaches given another opportunity. Keep in mind, though, he'll probably find himself under more scrutiny than most coaches. Just ask Mike Babcock about that.
[1] "Joel Quenneville's Return to Coaching Raises Controversy amid Sexual Assault Scandal" - USA Today[2] "Quenneville, Ducks Address Sexual Assault Scandal during Press Conference" - Sports Illustrated
- "Despite the controversy over Joe Quenneville's return to coaching following a sexual assault scandal, some sports analysts argue that it's heartening to see an NHL all-time great coach given another opportunity, especially if one believes in redemption."
- "Joe Quenneville, the new head coach of the Anaheim Ducks, was reinstated by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being banned for his role in concealing a sexual assault scandal during his stint with the Chicago Blackhawks."
- "Kris Beach, the player allegedly sexually assaulted by former Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich in 2010, was approached by the Ducks as they reached out to him during the blackhawks' journey to their first of three Stanley Cups under Quenneville's guidance."
- "Quenneville, who was likely disappointed by the dissent from those who are skeptical of his return to the NHL, has since apologized for not inquiring further about the sexual assault scandal during his time with the Blackhawks and pledged to demonstrate his character through his actions."
