AHL levies 30-game suspension for racial gesture
The American Hockey League has suspended San Jose Barracuda forward Krystof Hrabik 30 games for a racial gesture directed towards Tucson Roadrunners forward Boko Imama.
Hrabik, according to ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski, “imitated a monkey’s movements towards Imama, who is Black.” The movements were spotted by the Roadrunners bench and confirmed via video, Wyshynski added.
“The AHL stands with Boko Imama,” said AHL president and Howson. “It is unfair that any player should be subjected to comments or gestures based on their race; they should be judged only on their ability to perform as a player on the ice, as a teammate in the locker room and as a member of their community.”
It’s the second time in Imama’s AHL career he’s had a racial gesture directed towards him. While playing for the Ontario Reign two years ago, Brandon Manning made a racial gesture towards him. Manning was suspended for five games at the time and issued a public apology for his actions.
Hrabik, 22, is in his second year playing pro hockey in North America splitting 55 games between the AHL and ECHL.
Imama, 25, was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the sixth round of the 2015 Draft. He’s appeared in 180 games between the AHL’s Ontario Reign, Manchester Monarchs and the Tucson Roadrunners.
Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.