Chicago Blackhawks Chair Rocky Wirtz released a statement after getting into a heated exchange Feb. 2 with two reporters at the town hall-style event when asked about the Kyle Beach allegations stemming from a 2010 incident involving sexual-assault allegations, NBC Chicago noted.
"Tonight, at the Chicago Blackhawks town hall, my response to two questions crossed the line," Wirtz said. "I want to apologize to the fans and those reporters, and I regret that my response overshadowed the great work this organization is doing to move forward. We have the right leaders and right processes in place to create a safe environment for our employees and players."
The Athletic's Mark Lazerus asked what steps the organization is taking to prevent a situation like 2010 to never happen again. The question was originally directed at CEO Danny Wirtzbut Rocky stepped in and answered, saying, in part, "We're not looking back at 2010, we're looking forward. And we're not going to talk about 2010." When The Chicago Tribune's Phil Thompson joined in, Rocky responded, "What we're going to do today is our business. I don't think it's any of your business. Because I don't think it's your business. You don't work for the company. If someone in the company asked that question, we'll answer it and I think you should get on to the next subject."
In December, the Blackhawks settled their lawsuit with Beach, who said he was assaulted in 2010 by former video coach Brad Aldrich. The settlement is confidential.
The night continued to be bad for the Blackhawks, as the team lost to the Minnesota Wild 5-0 at the United Center.
Marc-Andre Fleury started the night, making 25 saves on 30 shots before Collin Delia took over in goal in his second appearance of the season.
The team will pause for the NHL All-Star break and return to action next Wednesday night in Edmonton against the Oilers.