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Kyle Beach on aftermath of coming forward as John Doe: 'My battle is really just beginning'

Kyle Beach knows that there is a lengthy journey ahead of him, but one that will hopefully end with the Chicago Blackhawks being held accountable for their inaction.

The 31-year-old released a brief statement on Thursday, expressing his gratitude for the support he received after coming forward as 'John Doe' in the lawsuit against the Blackhawks.

“I have immense gratitude for the outpouring of endless love and support that has come through within the past 48 hours,” Beach wrote on Twitter. “Although the results of the private investigation have been released, and the Blackhawks have apologized, my battle is really just beginning as the Blackhawks continue to attempt to destroy my case in court.”

On Tuesday, the Blackhawks filed two motions to have Beach’s lawsuit against the organization dismissed, but the team told the Chicago Sun-Times that they were simply following legal protocol.

Kyle Beach is thankful for the outpour of support, but knows there's a lot more work to be done. (Getty)
Kyle Beach is thankful for the outpour of support, but knows there's a lot more work to be done. (Getty)

“While I take this time to reflect and continue the healing process,” Beach continued, “it is a reminder that this is not about me as an individual. This is to promote open communication that will facilitate change for the future — to promote safety, as well as the health and wellbeing of society as a whole.”

On Wednesday, Beach identified himself as 'John Doe', one of the victims that is alleging former Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich sexually assaulted them in 2010.

Investigators publicly released a damning report on Tuesday, detailing how Chicago’s management group did not take action until three weeks after knowing of the assault. GM Stan Bowman and executive Al MacIsaac left the organization shortly after the report was released and the NHL handed the Blackhawks a $2-million fine.

Beach, a native of Kamloops, B.C., was a 2008 first-round pick of the Blackhawks and did not suit up in the NHL.

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