Stan Bowman steps down as GM of 2022 Olympic hockey team after Blackhawks investigation

Hours after Chicago Blackhawks general manager and president of hockey operations Stan Bowman stepped away from the organization following an independent investigation into sexual assault allegations made against then-video coach Brad Aldrich in 2010, Bowman officially informed USA Hockey he's stepping down as general manager of the 2022 U.S. Olympic men's hockey team. 

"In light of what’s happened today, I think it’s in the best interests of USA Hockey for me to step aside," Bowman said in a statement shared by USA Hockey. "I’m grateful to have been selected and wish our team the very best in Beijing." 

According to Greg Wyshynski of ESPN, Bowman was named U.S. general manager in March. 

Executive director of USA Hockey Pat Kelleher added: "We thank Stan for all his efforts. He’s been a major contributor to American hockey for a long time." 

The statement concludes that Bowman's replacement will be unveiled "in the near future." 

Per Tracey Myers of the NHL's website, the Blackhawks were fined $2 million for what NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said was the club's "inadequate internal procedures and insufficient and untimely response in the handling of matters" regarding the allegations. 

"Eleven years ago, while serving in my first year as general manager, I was made aware of potential inappropriate behavior by a then-video coach involving a player," Bowman said in a statement shared by Myers before the USA Hockey announcement. "I promptly reported the matter to the then-President and CEO (John McDonough) who committed to handling the matter. I learned this year that the inappropriate behavior involved a serious allegation of sexual assault. I relied on the direction of my superior that he would take appropriate action. Looking back, now knowing he did not handle the matter promptly, I regret assuming he would do so."