This week several former players have come out to speak their mind about interactions with former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock. As part of the wave of stories on social media, former NHL player Akim Aliu spoke out about a Babcock protege, Calgary Flames head coach Bill Peters, and their time together with the Rockford IceHogs, the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks.
Peters was the head coach of the IceHogs when Aliu was a rookie in 2009-10. The 30-year old alleges that Peters “dropped the N bomb several times” in the team’s locker room because of Aliu’s music choices.
Flames GM Brad Treliving addressed the media after last night’s Flames game:
During tonight’s game I was made aware of a tweet from former player Akim Aliu. Obviously we were playing so I haven’t had a chance to sit down with Bill or our people internally, to talk about this and get to the bottom of it. I would say we take these matters very, very seriously.
Until such time as we have a chance to speak about it internally, we obviously want to address you people – we’re aware of it. Made aware of it during the game here this evening. Like I said, I haven’t had a chance to talk to Bill. I will be doing that and until such time we won’t have any further comment about it but we will address it and get back to you people once we have a chance to speak internally.
The NHL also released a short statement on the situation:
The behavior that has been alleged is repugnant an unacceptable. We will have no further comment until we have had an opportunity to look into the matter thoroughly.
Darren Dreger of TSN reports that the NHL and Flames have been in contact regarding the situation and are expected to have “further discussions” today. Peters was hired by the Flames in 2018 and is under contract through the 2020-21 season.
Frank Seravalli of TSN also spoke to some of Aliu’s teammates who backed up the allegations, describing the incident in detail. Aliu also got on record to explain the situation fully, telling Seravalli that he regrets not standing up for himself and others at the time.
Hopefully this didn’t happen if it did its disgusting. 7 game nhl career and he’s complaining!
Bill Peters is cancelled! Good riddance
If it happened it is wrong, but Waits 10 years and says because of the Kaepernick drama he stayed silent. That was less than 4 years ago.
I didn’t read that as he didn’t come forward because of the Kaepernick situation. It’s because he’d have the same outcome. It would’ve pretty much ended his career before it started.
I hope all those ready to cast stones at Peters for allegedly using a bad word will look in the mirror first. My bet is that you won’t pass your own purity test.
Brad Treliving was quoted saying “you people”.
Akim Aliu’s career has unfortunately not been defined by his skill or results, but by the repeated harassment he’s faced. Of course he was reluctant to come forward. The bullshit he endured from Steve Downie, Moe Mantha, and the Windsor Spitfires would make him adverse to come forward – there is no question. If he was a young player struggling for a roster spot why would he risk his career to come forward knowing the climate and what he experienced the first time he spoke up.
10 years ago?!! Really???!!! 10 YEARS AGO!!!!!!!
The pitchforks are already being lit. Bye Peters. I hope you saved up some money.
There’s gonna be a purge of people soon. Already a lot of stories and witnesses coming out, hard to believe this will be anywhere near the end.
Nowadays you are better off murdering someone.
What has been alleged against Babcock?
Peters is done like dinner.