5 NHL players that have made the 2019-20 season memorable

1. Akim Aliu sends the hockey world a wake-up call

Not every memorable moment is a warm and fuzzy one. Sometimes a moment of discomfort can provide a chance to examine, reflect and grow. For the hockey world at large, Akim Aliu’s allegations of racial abuse sustained while playing in the AHL under Bill Peters provided such an opportunity.

Following a story that broke on Twitter about how former Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock had mistreated Mitch Marner in Toronto, Aliu took to social media to add another perspective to the fold. Aliu recounted how Bill Peters, a close friend of Babcock, once hurled racial epithets at him prior to a game while he was playing in the AHL.

Aliu’s story created waves through the hockey community, both in the league and among fans. Aliu also brought to light homophobic hazing rituals in junior hockey as well as an incident of blackface by a team employee, to which he was a witness.

Soon after, Peters resigned and multiple former players came out with stories of abuse involving Peters as well as other coaches. It was a reckoning.

For a sport that prides itself on projects such as “You Can Play” and “Hockey is for Everyone,” Aliu’s experiences of racial targeting and othering provided a chance for the sport to look itself in the mirror and prove it was serious about changing the culture.

From players and coaches to officials, owners and fans, we all share a responsibility in making sure this sport truly offers a safe and enjoyable space for everyone.

Moments of change can be uncomfortable. But we all share a responsibility in leaning into the discomfort and listening to voices and perspectives aside from our own. Aliu brought an issue that had long existed in hockey into the spotlight and challenged us to be better.

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