NHL Activist Akim Aliu Signs Pro Contract With An NHL Organization

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Tyler Ball
March 20, 2024 (5:24 PM)

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Today some exciting news has been reported regarding equality activist and former NHLer Akim Aliu. Several sources have confirmed Aliu will be signing a pro contract with the San Jose Sharks.

Akim Aliu is one of the most well-known figures in the NHL community that has not been on an NHL roster in many years. Aliu is known in NHL circles for his excellent advocacy for more diversity within hockey and the NHL itself. Aliu's advocacy for others started when he spoke up for himself about the racism he had endured at the hands of former head coach Bill Peters while in Calgary.

Peters Given Another Chance After Allegations From Aliu

Bill Peters was promptly fired by the Calgary Flames after the allegations were proven to be true. However, it would not take Peters long to find a new coaching home despite the despicable actions he had taken. Shortly after his firing, he was then hired in the Western Hockey League by the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Peters is still the head coach in Lethbridge and casts a dark shadow over the sport due to his actions. However, Aliu has not let the mistreatment he received stop him from living his dream of playing professional hockey. Aliu played professional hockey up until 2020 when he played in Czechia,

After playing in Czechia it looked as though Aliu's hockey career was coming to an end. He leaned more into the activist side of his passion and went around speaking to the world. However, it seems as though he is not quite done with hockey as he has signed a new contract.

Aliu Signs A New Professional Contract With San Jose

This afternoon several reports are confirming that the San Jose Sharks organization has agreed to a deal with Akim Aliu. According to the reports Aliu will be on an AHL deal and play with the San Jose Barracuda.

Hearing Akim Aliu is returning to the ice.

#sjsharks GM Mike Grier confirmed today he is signing Aliu to an AHL tryout deal for remainder of the season with @sjbarracuda. Aliu last played pro in 2020 in Czechia and has battled through years of surgeries and rehab, but his dream never wavered.

«We wanted to give him an opportunity to see what he can do,» Grier said.

Sharks General Manager Mike Grier confirmed after signing Aliu that he will report to the Barracuda in the next day or two to begin his professional tryout.

Akim Aliu should be joining the Barracuda in the next day or two, per Mike Grier. Will be with the team on an ATO. #SJSharks #SJBarracuda.

Aliu at the age of 34 likely does not have much longer left in his playing career. However, ending up back in an NHL organization to utilize the platform he has built on the injustice he went through at the hands of an NHL coach is a full-circle moment.

We wish Aliu all the best as he journeys into the next step of his hockey career.