Marc Crawford will remain suspended from team activities with the Chicago Blackhawks until the new year after an internal review over allegations of misconduct from the assistant coach’s previous coaching positions.
The Blackhawks said Monday that they conducted a thorough review of Crawford including discussions with former players, colleagues and management for teams Crawford used to work for and that he would return to their club on Jan. 2.
Chicago announced on Dec. 2 that it would be investigating Crawford’s conduct after allegations of physical abuse were made by several former players.
A statement said the Chicago franchise doesn’t condone Crawford’s previous behaviour and that he has sought counseling since 2010 to become a better communicator.
“We believe that Marc has learned from his past actions and has committed to striving to reform himself and evolve personally and professionally over the last decade,” the team said. “We have experienced no incidents during Marc’s coaching tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks.”
Crawford acknowledged his previous conduct in the joint statement along with the allegations from Sean Avery, Harold Druken, Patrick O’Sullivan and Brent Sopel.
“I am deeply sorry for hurting them,” he said. “I offer my sincere apologies for my past behaviour.
“I got into coaching to help people, and to think that my actions in any way caused harm to even one player fills me with tremendous regret and disappointment in myself. I used unacceptable language and conduct toward players in hopes of motivating them, and, sometimes went too far. As I deeply regret this behaviour, I have worked hard over the last decade to improve both myself and my coaching style.”
Crawford has previously coached the Ottawa Senators, Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks, Colorado Avalanche and Quebec Nordiques.
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