Racism-accused coach gets ‘second chance’
A head coach who resigned from the NHL last fall over allegations that he used racial slurs is returning to the pro ranks with the Russiabased Kontinental Hockey League’s Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg.
Bill Peters, who coached the Calgary Flames and the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL and steered Team Canada to the gold medal at the 2016 IIHF world championships, resigned from Calgary in late November after former player Akim Aliu, who is of Nigerian descent, alleged Peters “dropped the N-bomb several times” in directing racial slurs at him when the two were with the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs during the 2009-10 season.
Other players have since stepped forward to accuse Peters of physically abusing them with punches and kicks during his four-year stint behind the Carolina bench.
Peters didn’t deny the allegations and apologized in a video conference call with Russian media after finalizing a deal with the KHL club this week.
“I think as time goes on we all grow and improve and become better versions of ourselves … and I’m no different than that,” the 55-year-old said. “You learn from all the experiences that you’re in, and you become better.
“It’s no different right now, going through a very trying time in the world with the global pandemic, and I believe that when we come out of this people are going to be better for it, more compassionate towards each other and more patient.”
The 24-team KHL, which includes China-based Kunlun Red Star, has so far not commented on Peters’ checkered past, but Aliu told Canadian Press he is in favor of people “getting a second chance”.
“Only with the past behind us can we focus on the future,” Aliu tweeted. “Hockey is for all. I believe in second chances for everyone, that we can all find forgiveness in our heart and that real positive change is coming if we continue to push forward together.
“I don’t resent a man for finding work, but I will fight to make sure those same opportunities are available to everyone, on and off the ice, regardless of race or ethnicity.”
Aliu was born in Nigeria and raised in Ukraine before his family moved to Canada. The 30-year-old journeyman minor-leaguer played six games in the Czech Republic this past season.
The NHL said its investigation into Peters’ conduct has not been concluded, but Flames general manager Brad Treliving told Canadian Press: “Bill made a mistake, he said he made a mistake. I know he’s making amends to make up for that. He’s a good coach and a good man. He made an error. Not everything we do is right and we just hope people have grace for us. We wish him well in Russia.”
Joining Peters behind the Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg bench next season will be former Canadian women’s national team head coach Perry Pearn.
Pearn told the Edmonton Journal he was taken aback when word of Peters’ past came out, but added: “I think he’s genuinely sorry. Those are things I’ve never experienced with.
“Again I certainly don’t condone those things, but sometimes you have to take your experiences with somebody and make your own judgments. My experiences with Bill have all been very positive.”