Peters named Hurricanes head coach, first coaching job after racism controversy
LETHBRIDGE, Alta. - Bill Peters is being given a second chance by the Lethbridge Hurricanes, but not by the former player who was the target of his racism.
Peters was named Lethbridge's new head coach on Wednesday, returning him to the Western Hockey League and organized hockey for the first time in nearly four years.
Peters resigned as the head coach of the NHL's Calgary Flames in November 2019 after it became public that he had committed an act of anti-Black racism involving former player Akim Aliu.
“Over the last several years, I have worked to understand my previous anti-Black racist thoughts and actions,” Peters said in a statement. “I have learned much through this reformational journey and feel ready to return to coaching. I am in an influential position to positively impact community leaders and contribute to a more inclusive generation in hockey.”
A statement from the WHL says that Peters has completed an anti-racism training and coaching certification program with guidance from Shades of Humanity Consulting, a national diversity, equity and inclusion agency. Commissioner Ron Robison said in a statement he's satisfied Peters has taken the necessary steps required to return to coaching in the WHL.
"After a thorough review, speaking with representatives from Shades of Humanity, and receiving a commitment from Bill to continue on his path of anti-racism, self-growth and redemption, the WHL is satisfied Bill is ready to return to coaching in the WHL,” Robison said. “The journey towards individual and systemic equity learning should be viewed as an ongoing process.
"Bill has demonstrated that through this process and the WHL remains committed to systemic change through continued education.”
The incident occurred when Peters was head coach of the American Hockey...