AHLer Holmstrom suspended 8 games for using homophobic slur

The AHL has announced that forward Ben Homstrom of the Rochester Americans will serve an eight game suspension for using homophobic language in a game on March 30th against the Utica Comets.

“We were made aware of an inappropriate comment made by one of our players in a recent game. Once aware, we took immediate action through numerous conversations with the player, team, and league,” Americans general manager Jason Karmanos said in a statement. “To be clear, we have no tolerance for any form of hate and regret any harm his comment inflicted. We strive to maintain an inclusive environment in which our differences are celebrated. We have sought counselling awareness resources for the player.”

“As part of the suspension, Holmstrom will be participating in diversity and inclusion education,” a statement from the AHL reads. “The American Hockey League is committed to building a culture that is safe, inclusive, and free from abuse, harassment and all forms of unethical behaviour or misconduct.”

The 34 year old Holmstrom, who has played just seven NHL games with the Philadelphia Flyers over a decade ago, is a veteran of over 600 AHL games.