Robin Lehner wants more NHLers to 'take a stand' after Blackhawks scandal
The sports world was shaken when former Chicago Blackhawks first-round pick Kyle Beach came forward as John Doe in the investigation that uncovered the sexual abuse Beach suffered which was perpetrated by former video coach Bradley Aldrich.
Among those in the hockey community who've come out and supported Beach for his bravery is Vegas Golden Knights netminder, Robin Lehner. The goaltender has been a strong voice for justice amongst the players with regards to a number of issues, and as he said after Tuesday's 4-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, he'd like to see more players step up and have their voices heard.
Robin Lehner: "At the end of the day I just want more players, [with] whatever it is, to take a stand because we as players we can bring change as much as anyone else. ... We want hockey and the NHL to be as good as possible."
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) November 3, 2021
Lehner has been outspoken on a number of issues regarding player health and safety in the past, including most recently, a flurry of tweets that deal with the NHL's pill distribution. Additionally, Lehner, alongside Dallas Stars forwards Tyler Seguin and Jason Dickinson joined Ryan Reaves in kneeling against anti-Black racism during the national anthem last year in the NHL bubble.
Lehner not only discussed the need for players to use their voice on social issues but also mentioned the impact Beach coming forward will have on everyone.
Robin Lehner on *Kyle Beach: "He's changing people's lives by having the bravery to speak out."
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) November 3, 2021
"He's changing people's lives by having the bravery to speak out," he said post-game.
“Everything I’m doing is for Kyle Beach. He hasn’t been given the benefit of the doubt for a long time. I think it’s time.” -Robin Lehner
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) November 3, 2021
"Everything I’m doing is for Kyle Beach. He hasn’t been given the benefit of the doubt for a long time. I think it’s time," he stated.
Even before Tuesday's comments, Lehner was quick to voice his support for Beach on social media in a tweet he sent out on Oct. 28.
I’m gonna start with saying thank you to Kyle Beach. What he has done is courage on the highest level. We all need to be better in supporting each other. I had a really emotional talk with kyle today. I can’t say how much I appreciate you for what you have done last few days. 🙏
— Robin Lehner (@RobinLehner) October 29, 2021
The goaltender played 33 games for the Blackhawks during the 2019-20 season, but his stint with the franchise was long after Beach was sexually abused by Aldrich in 2010.
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