By Canadian Press

Akim Aliu says he believes in second chances after Bill Peters hired by KHL team

Apr 16, 2020 | 12:28 PM

Former NHL player Akim Aliu says he believes people deserve second chances, and that includes a coach who allegedly used racial slurs against him.

Aliu said Thursday he’s fine with Bill Peters returning to the professional ranks, some 24 hours after the former NHL bench boss was hired by Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg of the Russian-based Kontinental Hockey League.

Peters resigned as head coach of the Calgary Flames in November amid allegations he used a racial slur against Aliu several times while the two were with the Chicago Blackhawks’ American Hockey League affiliate during the 2009-10 season. He is also alleged to have hit players while he was head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes.

“Hockey is for all. I believe in second chances for everyone, that we can all find forgiveness in our heart, and that real positive change is coming if we continue to push forward together,” Aliu said Thursday on his Twitter account.

“I don’t resent a man for finding work, but I will fight to make sure those same opportunities are available for everyone, on and off the ice, regardless of race or ethnicity.”

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Peters resigned Nov. 29 after an investigation by the team. He apologized to the Flames and general manager Brad Treliving for using “offensive language” in while with the Blackhawks’ affiliate in Rockford, Ill., two days before his resignation.

Former NHL defenceman Michal Jordan also alleged Peters kicked him while the two were with the Hurricanes.

Treliving echoed Aliu’s sentiments on a conference call with reporters Thursday.

“I’m a big believer in second chances for anyone and everyone,” Treliving said. “Bill made a mistake, he said he made a mistake. I know he’s making amends to make up for that. He’s a good coach. Bill’s a good man. He made an error. I wish him well.

“Not everything we do is sometimes right and we just hope people have grace for us, and we wish him well there.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 16, 2020.

The Canadian Press