AHL suspends Barracuda forward Hrabik 30 games for ‘racial gesture’

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The American Hockey League has suspended San Jose Barracuda ahead Krystof Hrabik 30 video games for making a “racial gesture” at Tucson Roadrunners left-wing Boko Imama throughout a sport final week.

The league mentioned in a launch that Hrabik made the gesture at Imama, who's Black, throughout Tucson’s 4-3 win over San Jose on Jan. 12.

Hrabik, who has already served three video games of the suspension, could be eligible to return April 3.

The AHL mentioned in a press release that Hrabik might apply for reinstatement after March 12, primarily based on an analysis of his progress within the schooling and coaching on racism and inclusion administered by the NHL’s Participant Inclusion Committee.

Imama, born in Montreal to oldsters who immigrated from Democratic Republic of Congo, has been subjected to racist behaviour within the AHL earlier than. Bakersfield Condors defenceman Brandon Manning utilizing a racial slur in an altercation with Imama throughout a Jan. 22, 2020 sport, when Imama was with the Ontario Reign.

Manning was suspended 5 video games for uttering the slur.

“The AHL stands with Boko Imama,” AHL commissioner Scott Howson mentioned in a press release. “It's unfair that any participant ought to be subjected to feedback or gestures primarily based on their race; they need to be judged solely on their means to carry out as a participant on the ice, as a teammate within the locker room and as a member of their group.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Jan. 21, 2022.