Mike Haviland Speaks Out on Blackhawks Sex Assault Case

On October 26, 2021, Jenner and Block released their independent investigation into the Chicago Blackhawks handling of Brad Aldrich sexually assaulting a player during their 2010 Stanley Cup run. Over the following months, many players, staff, and coaches from the 2009-10 team delivered statements to the media about what they did or did not know. However, some could not be reached for comment about the situation or the investigation. Cleveland Monsters new associate coach Mike Haviland was one of them.

Earlier this week, Coach Mike Haviland was gracious enough to do an interview about his knowledge of the situation.

Below are his answers.

Full Press Hockey: During your time with the Chicago Blackhawks, how much did you know or hear of what Brad Aldrich did to Kyle Beach in 2010?

Mike Haviland: I knew nothing of the allegations at the time. When Brad left the organization, I was told that something inappropriate had taken place but knew nothing of the extent of it until the details were made public 10 years later. I was shocked and horrified when they came to light and devastated for Kyle that he went through that.

FPH: Is there a reason why you have not spoken publicly or put out a statement in regards to the incident in 2010? 

MH: I cooperated fully with the investigation when it was being conducted and out of respect for that process — and because I had no prior knowledge of what went on — I didn’t think it was appropriate to comment further. I can tell you again that I was appalled and hope that no one will have to endure what Kyle did ever again.

FPH: Since leaving the Blackhawks organization, have you put processes in place with the other teams you’ve coached which would allow players to report any off-ice incident between them and coaches, management, staff, and other players? If not, do you see the value in having those processes set up for players and would you like to see those processes be implemented into organizations across different leagues? 

MH: On every team I coached, even before I was with the Blackhawks, we had established rules based on a family-first philosophy and my door was always open for my players. I encouraged open communication if any issue came up and have always been very proactive in communicating with my bosses. There is great value in anything and everything that creates a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved in this game, and in life, for that matter. Hopefully, the courage shown by Kyle will affect change and inspire others who have experienced this type, or and other type, of abuse.  

FPH: How do you plan on creating a safe space for and advocating for the players you coach now as they move from the AHL to the NHL and the ECHL?

MH: As a coach, you have a great responsibility to the athletes you work with to develop them as players, but also to care for them as people. It is one of the great joys of coaching and a responsibility I take very seriously. It is important for players to know that, and I try to do everything that I can to make sure my players do. I want them to know that if they are struggling with anything, my door is open and they will receive the support they need.

Elaine Shircliff continues to cover the Blackhawks sex assault scandal for Full Press Hockey. While her main beat is reporting on the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters, she also reports on the Chicago Wolves, Grand Rapids Griffins, and Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL’s Central Division, as well. Elaine was also recently elevated to associate editor of Full Press AHL before the start of the 2022-23 regular season.