Joel Quenneville resigns as Panthers coach

Joel Quenneville stepped down as coach of the Panthers “with deep regret” on Thursday, a day after it was revealed he ignored a 2010 sexual abuse claim.

Quenneville, who was the coach of the Blackhawks in 2010, wanted his team to concentrate on that year’s Stanley Cup playoffs instead of helping then-rookie Kyle Beach, who revealed himself Tuesday as the player who has alleged he was abused by video coach Brad Aldrich.

“I want to express my sorrow for the pain this young man, Kyle Beach, has suffered,” Quenneville said in a statement. “My former team the Blackhawks failed Kyle and I own my share of that. I want to reflect on how all of this happened and take the time to educate myself on ensuring hockey spaces are safe for everyone.”

Beach said his claims were swept under the rug by higher-ups the organization, including Quenneville.

“I’ve witnessed meetings, right after I reported it to [Blackhawks mental skills coach] James Gary, that were held in Joel Quenneville’s office. There’s absolutely no way that he can deny knowing it,” Beach said in an interview with TSN on Wednesday.

Quenneville, 63, gave Aldrich a positive evaluation when he left the Blackhawks, according to an independent investigation into the team’s handling of Beach’s claim.

The longtime coaching veteran previously said he learned of the allegations “through the media” this summer.

Quenneville coached the Panthers to a 4-1 win over the Bruins on Wednesday, but did not speak to media following the game. He met with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on Thursday.