Calgary Flames coach Bill Peters is being investigated by the team and the NHL after one of his former players accused him of using racial slurs, and more disturbing allegations against him came to light on Tuesday.
On Monday night, former NHL player Akim Aliu accused Peters of using a racial slur against him several years ago when Peters was coaching him with the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs. The Nigerian-born Aliu said Peters had him demoted to the ECHL when he challenged the coach.
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
Aliu told TSN’s Frank Seravalli on Tuesday that Peters walked in before a morning pregame skate and told him he is sick of him playing that “n—– s—” music, referring to the hip-hop Aliu had chosen. Two other former Rockford players, Simon Pepin and Peter MacArthur, have corroborated Aliu’s story. Aliu said Peters later called him into his office to discuss the matter but did not apologize, instead using the racist language again to express his displeasure in the music choice.
Later on Tuesday, former NHL player Michal Jordan accused Peters of physically assaulting him and other players when Peters was coaching the Carolina Hurricanes.
1) Never wish anything bad to the person but you get what you deserve Bill.After years making it to the NHL had experience with the worst coach ever by far.Kicking me and punching other player to the head during the game…
— Michal Jordan (@TheBigCzech23) November 26, 2019
2) then pretending like nothing happened…couldnt believe my eyes what can happen in the best league.. happy that i dont have to go thrue that stuff on daily basics anymore.
— Michal Jordan (@TheBigCzech23) November 26, 2019
Jordan told Seravalli he never came forward out of fear of negatively impacting his career, but he said he was not the only player who had a physical altercation with Peters in Carolina. Another former Hurricane said he was hit in the head by Peters on the bench during a game, but the player chose to remain anonymous.
Former #Canes player Michal Jordan confirms to #TSN that there were "multiple" physical altercations between coach Bill Peters and players in Carolina.
"He kicked me pretty hard in the back during a game," Jordan said. "Even the trainers and the other guys saw it."
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) November 26, 2019
Jordan: "I was at that point in my career, like I just got there, so I couldn't say anything. I didn't want them to think I was crying. Me and my agent, we kept it secret. Now other guys are speaking out, so I felt like I could."
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) November 26, 2019
Multiple sources also confirmed to #TSN the other physical altercation alleged in Jordan's tweet: Peters also struck a #Canes defenceman in the head on the bench during a game.
To this point, that #Canes player has wished to remain anonymous. It's his story to tell, until then.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) November 26, 2019
Flames general manager Brad Treliving confirmed that the Flames are investigating the claims, and the NHL has called the alleged behavior “repugnant and unacceptable.”
Peters coached the Hurricanes from 2014 until he resigned in 2018. He was then hired by the Flames last year and led the team to their first division title in 13 years in his first season.
