CHICAGO _ The Blackhawks placed assistant coach Marc Crawford on leave before Monday's game against the Blues after allegations of physical abuse during a 2006 game by former player Sean Avery while both were with the Kings.
In a statement, the Hawks said Crawford, who was on the ice for Monday's morning skate, will not be with the team while the organization investigates the allegations.
"The Chicago Blackhawks will be conducting a thorough review of assistant coach Marc Crawford based on the recent allegations that have been made regarding his conduct with another organization," the statement said. "Marc Crawford will be away from the team during this time and the organization will have no further comment until completion of the review."
In an interview with the New York Post, Avery said Crawford kicked him so hard that it left a mark.
Crawford, 58, who is in his first season as an assistant with the Hawks, was head coach of the Kings at the time of the incident.
Avery said Crawford kicked him after taking a penalty for too many men on the ice.
"You know how I stand at the end of the bench? He came down and gave me an ass kick that left a mark," Avery said.
