Marc Crawford apologizes for 'hurting' past players, will return from suspension Jan. 2

Chicago Blackhawks assistant coach Marc Crawford, who has been suspended since Dec. 2 over allegations of incidents that took place when he was Los Angeles Kings coach, can return Jan. 2, the team said after completing an investigation.

"We do not condone his previous behavior," the Blackhawks said in a statement. "Through our review, we confirmed that Marc proactively sought professional counseling to work to improve and become a better communicator, person and coach."

The team said the counseling began in 2010, after his time with the Kings, and has continued since. Chicago added that there had not been reported incidents in his time with the Blackhawks.

This season, former players had leveled accusations against coaches, leading to the resignation of the Calgary Flames' Bill Peters. Crawford's suspension happened after Sean Avery told the New York Post that the coach had kicked him in Los Angeles.

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"Players like Sean Avery, Harold Druken, Patrick O'Sullivan and Brent Sopel have had the strength to publicly come forward and I am deeply sorry for hurting them," Crawford said in a statement. "I offer my sincere apologies for my past behavior.

"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 behavior, I have worked hard over the last decade to improve both myself and my coaching style."

Crawford said the counseling has helped him with "managing my emotions."

"My goal is to approach all players, past and present, with empathy and understanding," he said. "My hope, as a coach and a person, is to create environments of dignity and respect."

O'Sullivan said Crawford didn't go far enough in his apology.

"Accountability doesn’t come in the form of a crafted statement by a lawyer hidden in a team release," he tweeted. "Stand up and be accountable publicly to the media if it’s sincere. Time to move on for me though. Treat people with respect if you’re a coach and they will want to do more for you."

The Blackhawks said Crawford will continue with counseling. He urged any other player who had been affected by his actions to talk to him.

"There is an important discussion happening in hockey right now," he said of the re-examination of how coaches treat players. "I am and will continue to be a part of the solution moving forward. These conversations will set the course for future generations."