Legendary Flame Theo Fleury happy to see what’s happening in Calgary

The Calgary Flames are continuing their investigation on head coach Bill Peters, who has accused of making racist remarks at former player Akim Aliu during the 2009-10 season with the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL.

There was more on top of that: Frank Seravelli of TSN gave more information, using the comments of former Carolina Hurricanes players who were coached by Peters and it seems like there was also an abuse issue.

Former Canaes player Michal Jordan confirms to TSN that there were “multiple” physical altercations between Peters and players in Carolina.

“He kicked me pretty hard in the back during a game,”Jordan said. “Even the trainers and the other guys saw it.”

“I was at that point in my career, like I just got there, so I couldn’t say anything. I didn’t want them to think I was crying. Me and my agent, we kept it secret. Now other guys are speaking out, so I felt like I could.”

The Flames therefore decided that Peters would not be behind the bench for the Flames game tonight in Buffalo. Associate coach Geoff Ward will handle head coaching duties.

Former Flames player Theo Fleury decided to speak up on what’s been happening in Calgary. On social media last night, Fleury commented on how happy he is to see players standing up for themselves and speaking out against abuse of any kind. 

“Happy to see that we have finally created a safe space in society that athletes have been empowered to speak up about physical, sexual and emotional abuse. The biggest part is that the person is believed first and foremost. Thanking the universe today for the lesson.”

Fleury was sexually abused by his junior coach, Graham James, a trauma he kept secret for many years that led him to depression, addiction and attempted suicides. 

It is great to see him do so well today and encourage others to speak up against abuse to protect themselves.