Krystof Hrabik of the San Jose Barracuda, the San Jose Sharks' AHL affiliate, has been suspended 30 games by the AHL. Hrabik used an unspecified racial gesture towards Tucson Roadrunners forward Boko Imama during a game on January 12.
This is unfortunately not the first time Imama has been the subject of racist behaviour in his AHL career. Brandon Manning was suspended for 5 games last season for another racist gesture towards Imama. Clearly the AHL has had enough of this behaviour from its players and are doing their best to stamp it out.
This is important for hockey as a whole. It was less than a month ago that a PEI Jr B player was suspended just 2 games for a racial gesture while the player that called out the league for it was suspended indefinitely. Thankfully, PEI hockey came to their senses and lifted the suspension.
The AHL taking a true stand against racism in hockey can only be good for the game. The 30 game suspension is harsh, no doubt, but needed. We all saw Willie O'Ree's number raised to the rafters this week. To let something like this slide would have been an insult to him and all he's done for the game of hockey.
Here's hoping this type of behaviour can be eradicated from our game so that anyone, regardless of their race or religion can play hockey without fear of being attacked for that which they can't control.
