BILL PETERS

Flames coach steps down

It's now official — Bill Peters is out as head coach of the Calgary Flames.

The Flames, who had been investigating the startling allegations against Peters by former players, announced Friday that the 54-year-old has resigned.

“This morning, I received a letter of resignation from Bill Peters, which I accepted,” said Flames general manager Brad Treliving. “Effective immediately, Bill Peters is no longer a member of the Calgary Flames organization.”

Peters' downfall started with Monday's explosive accusation by Akim Aliu, who wrote on Twitter that Peters had directed a racial slur — “the N bomb,” as he described it — toward him during the 2009-10 season, when both were in the minors. Aliu alleges that the comment was made in regard to his selection of hip-hop music in the locker-room.

Peters was then head coach of the American Hockey League's Rockford IceHogs, while Aliu was a rookie with the farm club for the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Flames have named Geoff Ward — previously their associate coach — as their interim bench boss.

“The subject matter that we've been dealing with over the last few days is difficult, it's hard and it does not in any way reflect the core values of the Calgary Flames,” Treliving said. “It's been a difficult time, but we are going to move forward.

“I met with our players this morning and we are ready to move beyond this and focus on the game on the ice.”

On Wednesday night, while the Flames were in action in Buffalo, Peters issued an apology from back home in Calgary, sharing a letter addressed to Treliving.

“I know that my comments have been the source of both anger and disappointment, and I understand why,” Peters wrote. “Although it was an isolated and immediately regrettable incident, I take responsibility for what I said.

“The statement was made in a moment of frustration and does not reflect my personal values. After the incident, I was rightfully challenged about my use of language, and I immediately returned to the dressing room to apologize to the team. I have regretted the incident since it happened, and I now also apologize to anyone negatively affected by my words.

“I am aware that there is no excuse for language that is offensive. I meant no disrespect in what I said, and it was not directed at anyone in particular. But, that doesn't matter; it was hurtful and demeaning. I am truly sorry.”

(The discrepancy in Peters' account is that Aliu told TSN there was never an apology for the racial epithet. The 30-year-old forward released his own statement, describing the apology as “misleading, insincere and concerning.”)

The Flames learned of Aliu's allegations midway through Monday's overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

As it turns out, that would be Peters' last game on Calgary's bench.

Treliving promised to investigate the claims and didn't delay, reaching out to Aliu that same night. In addition to discussing with Peters, he also interviewed ex-IceHogs who'd witnessed the incident.

In a statement Tuesday morning, the NHL characterized the alleged behaviour by Peters as “repugnant and unacceptable.”

“Repulsive” was the word that

Treliving used. He repeated it again Friday.

The emotion was evident as Calgary's general manager told media the Peters saga has been “the most difficult thing in my career, for sure.”

According to Treliving, information from the Flames' investigation will now be turned over to league officials.

“The League has been in regular communication with Calgary Flames management and our review of this serious matter is ongoing,” the NHL said in a statement. “There are meetings scheduled with relevant individuals — including Akim Aliu — in the coming days. We will have no further comment at this time.”

A husband and father of two,

Peters has been in the coaching business for more than two decades, including the past nine seasons in the NHL — three as an assistant with the Detroit Red Wings and four in the top job with the Carolina Hurricanes before being hired at the Saddledome. This was his second campaign in Calgary.

Originally from Three Hills, Alta., he guided Western Hockey League's Spokane Chiefs to a Memorial Cup crown in 2008 and led Team Canada to gold at the 2016 IIHF World Hockey Championship.

Peters posted a 61-37-11 record with the Flames. The team returns to action Saturday, when they welcome the Ottawa Senators to the Saddledome.

SERGEI BELSKI • USA TODAY Bill Peters resigned as head coach of the Calgary Flames on Friday following allegations he had used racial slurs against a player in the minor leagues a decade ago.