|
Bill Peters out as head coach of the Calgary Flames |
|
|
|
Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
The Calgary Flames have moved on from head coach Bill Peters.
Not because the team, which is expected to contend this season, was 26th in points percentage and won just 11 times in 27 games under Peters.
Peters is no longer with the team due to a much more important matters: racism, and abuse.
Akim Aliu recently tweeted out a very condemning story of an encounter with Peters when they were members of the Rockford Icehogs back in 2009-10.
Two former teammates of Aliu have since gone on record backing his statements,
which Frank Seravalli did a great job of reporting at TSN.ca.
This happened long ago but it was unacceptable then and it’s unacceptable now. It can’t go unpunished.
As if the Aliu incident wasn’t enough, other alarming information was shared from players with experience under Peters.
So multiple public allegations of racism and/or abuse came out over the last few days. And I doubt we’ve seen all of it.
I can only imagine what other players – especially those who have dealt with Peters for long periods of time like Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin and Derek Ryan – have seen or gone through.
You absolutely can’t have someone who would treat people this way in your organization, let alone holding a position of such power.
It’ll be interesting to see where the Flames go from here.
Given they considered Geoff Ward for the HC position last time around, and generally don't pay for marquee names, I wouldn't be surprised if his interim tag gets removed – should better results follow in the coming weeks and months.
Recent posts:
Trading Johnny Gaudreau is crazy talk
From bad to worse
The Calgary Flames are getting impatient
On Mangiapane’s strong play, 5v5 offense, and Jankowski’s lack of luck