Barracuda forward Krystof Hrabik gets 30-game ban for alleged racial comments at an opponent player

Barracuda forward Krystof Hrabik gets 30-game ban for alleged racial comments at an opponent player

Krystof Hrabik

San Jose Barracuda forward Krystof Hrabik was handed a suspension for 30 games after he made a racial gesture at a ‘Black’ player during an American Hockey League (AHL) game earlier this month. As per the latest announcement made by the officials, he will now be eligible to return to the ice on April 3. 

Back on January 13, San Jose’s management was informed that the 22-year-old allegedly had made a “monkey gesture” towards Tucson Roadrunners player Boko Imama at one of the games. The apex body later went on to confirm the incident through a video. The evidence revealed that Krystof “imitated the movements of a monkey” to taunt the opponent during Tucson’s 4-3 triumph over San Jose.

The Barracudas and San Jose Sharks organizations were quick to react to this and apologize for Habrik’s actions.

“The Barracuda and San Jose Sharks organization were appalled to learn of this incident,” the teams said. “We offer our sincerest apologies to Boko, the Roadrunners organization, the AHL, our fans, and the entire hockey community.”

AHL issues an official statement on this incident

“We are appalled by the disgusting and blatantly racist gesture that was displayed to Boko during the Roadrunners game at San Jose on Jan. 12 and support the AHL’s action and suspension,” Arizona Coyotes President and CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez said in a statement on Friday. “There is no place in society, or in our game, for racism or abuse of any kind.”

“The AHL stands with Boko Imama,” AHL president and CEO Scott Howson added in a statement. “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.”

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