The NHL and the Calgary Flames are investigating the alleged use of a racial slur by coach Bill Peters.
Akim Aliu – a former NHL defenceman – said on Twitter a coach in “YYC” used racial epithets against him frequently in his rookie year, although Aliu did not mention Peters by name.
“The behavior that has been alleged is repugnant and unacceptable,” the NHL said in a statement. “We will have no further comment until we have had an opportunity to look into the matter more thoroughly.”
Flames general manager Brad Treliving says Peters will not be participating in Calgary’s game tonight against the Buffalo Sabres, although he has made it clear that Peters has not been fired at this time.
Peters has not addressed the situation at the time of writing.
The Peters story came out after former Leafs coach Mike Babcock was criticized for asking rookie Mitch Marner to rate his teammates, seen as an attempt to turn his players against each other. Click HERE for more on Babcock.