Multiple reports describe Hrabik imitating monkey-like movements in the direction of Imama, who is Black, during a January 12 game in San Jose, California. A spokesman for the AHL told CNN that the reporting of the gesture is accurate.
“The AHL believes that individual inclusion learning is a key element of improving league-wide culture,” said the league in a statement. “As such, as part of his suspension, Hrabik will be provided the opportunity to work with the National Hockey League’s Player Inclusion Committee to participate in education and training on racism and inclusion.”
The AHL is the developmental professional league for the National Hockey League (NHL).
Hrabik, 22, is a Czech Republic national in his second year with the San Jose Sharks’ minor league affiliate. He would be eligible to return to play on April 3, according to the AHL’s website.
Imama, 25, was drafted 180th overall in 2015 by the Tampa Bay Lightning. He spent four years with the Los Angeles Kings franchise before signing with the Arizona Coyotes’ AHL affiliate in Tucson last summer.
The Barracuda said it and the Sharks “were appalled to learn of this incident.”
