San Jose Sharks prospect suspended 30 games by the AHL
Effective immediately the American Hockey League has suspended San Jose Barracuda forward Krystof Hrabik for 30 games. The suspension results from a racial gesture he directed at Boko Imama of the Tucson Roadrunners on January 12th during a game between the teams.
Hrabik has already served 3 games of the suspension and will be eligible to return April 3rd if there are no missed or postponed games. As part of his suspension Hrabik will be provided an opportunity to work with the NHL's Player Inclusion Committee to participate in racism and inclusion education.
Hrabik may apply to AHL President and CEO Scott Howson to have his suspension reduced after March 12th, based off of his progress in the education and training program from the Player Inclusion Committee.
The AHL issued the following statement:
The American Hockey League is committed to building a culture that is safe, inclusive, and free from abuse, harassment and all forms of unethical behavior or misconduct.
«The AHL stands with Boko Imama,» said 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.
There is no mention of the gesture made, but it does appear that during the game Imama had to be restrained by a linesman for an entire timeout from gaining access to Hrabik.
This isn't the first time Imama has been the victim of a racist taunt or comment in his career. In 2020 Brandon Manning was suspended 5 games for a racial comment directed towards Imama. In his first game against Manning after the suspension Imama exacted some revenge with this fight.
Update: This is the reason behind the suspension.
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