AHL hands out huge suspension to player who made racial gesture during game

The American Hockey League handed down a huge suspension to a San Jose Barracuda player who used a racial gesture against another during a game.

"The American Hockey League today announced that San Jose Barracuda forward Krystof Hrabik has been suspended for 30 games as a consequence of a racial gesture directed at Boko Imama of the Tucson Roadrunners during a game between the teams on January 12," said the league in a release.

Based on the Barracuda's schedule, Hrabik, who has already served three games of the suspension, would be eligible to return to the lineup on April 3, 2022.

According to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski, "Hrabik imitated a monkey's movements towards Imama, who is Black. It was spotted by the Roadrunners bench and confirmed via video of the game."

"The AHL believes that individual inclusion learning is a key element of improving league-wide culture. As such, as part of his suspension, Hrabik will be provided the opportunity to work with the National Hockey League's Player Inclusion Committee to participate in education and training on racism and inclusion."

Hrabik is a 22-year-old native of the Czech Republic. He was never drafted and has never played in the NHL. He spent part of this season and all of last in the ECHL. The release from the AHL does not specify exactly what Hrabik did to earn the ban.

Source: AHL

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