Update: The Calgary Flames announced that Bill Peters will not coach in Wednesday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres as the team’s investigation continues.
The NHL is investigating whether Calgary Flames coach Bill Peters used racial slurs toward a former player, calling the alleged behavior “repugnant and unacceptable.”
On Twitter, Akim Aliu said Peters used the N-word “several times” toward him for his choice of music when the two were with the Rockford Ice Hogs, an AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, in 2009-10.
Aliu, who is black, made the accusation after stories emerged about Mike Babcock’s coaching tactics with younger players following the coach’s firing from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Peters was a former assistant under Babcock from 2011 to 2014 with the Detroit Red Wings. He was also coached by Babcock in college.
Not very surprising the things we’re hearing about Babcock. Apple doesn’t fall far from the Tree, same sort of deal with his protege in YYC. Dropped the N bomb several times towards me in the dressing room in my rookie year because he didn’t like my choice of music. First one to
— Akim Aliu (@Dreamer_Aliu78) November 26, 2019
admit I rebelled against him. Wouldn’t you? And instead of remedying the situation, he wrote a letter to John McDonough and Stan Bowman to have me sent down to the ECHL. 20 year old on pace for 20 goals in his first pro year with zero PP/PK time was off to a great start in his
— Akim Aliu (@Dreamer_Aliu78) November 26, 2019
Pro career
— Akim Aliu (@Dreamer_Aliu78) November 26, 2019
The Calgary Flames did not make Peters available for comment to reporters Tuesday when the accusations were made. Instead, Flames general manager Brad Treliving met with the media, telling them they would look into the matter.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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