(Lethbridge) Bill Peters was offered a second chance by the Lethbridge Hurricanes, but not by the former player who was the victim of his racism.
Peters was named head coach of the WHL Hurricanes, which means he’ll be making a return to North American hockey after nearly four years.
Peters had resigned as head coach of the Calgary Flames in November 2019 following Akim Aliu’s disclosure that he had been the target of racist abuse by Peters.
“Over the past few years, I have worked to understand my racist thoughts and actions,” Peters said in a statement. I have learned a lot during this educational journey and I believe I am ready to start coaching again. I find myself in a position where I can have a positive impact in a community and contribute to a more inclusive generation in hockey. »
In a statement, the WHL said Peters completed racism training and a coaching certification program from Shades of Humanity Consulting, a national agency focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. WHL Commissioner Ron Robison said he was pleased with Peters’ steps to return to coaching in the WHL.
“After extensive review and discussion with representatives from Shades of Humanity, and receipt of proof of Bill’s commitment to continue on his journey against racism, self-development and redemption, WHL is satisfied and believes that Bill is ready to start coaching again,” Robison said.
The incident occurred when Peters was head coach of the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League during the 2009-10 season. Aliu, who was the IceHogs’ leading scorer, was the target of Peters’ attacks.
In a statement on social media Wednesday before a Hurricanes news conference introducing Peters, Aliu said a current NHL coach contacted him on Peters’ behalf in hopes of an apology.
Aliu posted his response to the coach, who is not named.
“(Peters) called me the N-word and instead of apologizing, he sent me back to the ECHL — I went through some very dark times during that time,” Aliu said. He yelled at me and embarrassed me daily in front of the entire team.
“The reality is he would still be coaching in the NHL if I hadn’t said anything. I believe in second chances, if they are sincere. »
Aliu also claims that Peters wrote a letter to the management of the Chicago Blackhawks — the club affiliated with the IceHogs — at the time, painting a less than glowing portrait of him. He also noted that five members of the Blackhawks’ then-management went on to become general managers in the NHL, essentially ruining his reputation across the league.
Peters coached the Carolina Hurricanes and Flames from 2014 to 2019. He was an assistant coach with the Detroit Red Wings from 2011 to 2014. He also coached Team Canada at the World Hockey Championship twice and once as an assistant, winning gold twice (2015 and 2016) and silver once (2017). After leaving the Flames, he worked for two seasons in the KHL.
