The American Hockey League (AHL) has suspended Rochester Americans forward Ben Holmstrom for eight games for using homophobic language.
During the first period of Rochester’s game against the Utica Comets on March 30th, Holmstrom engaged in an altercation with Comets forward Chase De Leo and used a homophobic slur. Holmstrom was given a game misconduct by officials, and upon further review he was issued the suspension.
“As part of the suspension, Holmstrom will be participating in diversity and inclusion education,” said the AHL in a statement on Wednesday.
“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.”
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Some commended the move, like this Twitter user who wrote: “Glad to see the AHL taking this seriously. A multi game suspension is appropriate and sets a standard in the league.
“Hell of a way for Holmstrom to act during a professional tryout.”
Glad to see the AHL taking this seriously. A multi game suspension is appropriate and sets a standard in the league.
Hell of a way for Holmstrom to act during a professional tryout. https://t.co/SGJUTHAS7v
— ashTley ? (@Smasha23) April 6, 2022
Others noted that the 8-game suspension seemed mild compared to the 30-game suspension San Jose Barracuda forward Krystof Hrabik received earlier this year for directing a racial gesture at Tuscon Roadrunners forward Boko Imama during a game.
“Hrabik got 30 games for a racist gesture. Holmstrom gets 8 games for a homophobic slur,” wrote another hockey fan on Twitter. “Not exactly holding everyone to the same standard, are we? To be clear, Holmstrom should not be getting a significantly lighter suspension here.”
Hrabik got 30 games for a racist gesture.https://t.co/aTF8Ha6txg
Holmstrom gets 8 games for a homophobic slur.
Not exactly holding everyone to the same standard, are we?
To be clear, Holmstrom should not be getting a significantly lighter suspension here. https://t.co/U9CJz6ZxFA
— Sean O'Brien (@SeanOBrien81) April 6, 2022
Holmstrom has will be eligible to return to the rink on April 30.
lou lou de la falaise
OMG I’m from Utica. These are the minors.
Kangol2
He looks dead in the eyes, though clearly not dead enough to spew homophobic epithets!
Thad
The AHL is walking the walk. 8 games is something. Others will notice.
I’m a big hockey fan but have been to only one AHL game this season, in San Diego. But I attended three NHL Pride nights and admire the NHL’s stand on inclusivity. No other pro sport has anything like “You Can Play,” the initiative to LGBT people, or “Hockey Is For Everyone,” recognizing minorities, females, and all non-traditional fans.
JED08
Chase De Leo seems like a class act to me, maybe that’s really what bothers Ben about him.
johncp56
those are not dead eyes, that’s hockey puck love to the head