Ryan Miller comes to Akim Aliu’s defense, encourages NHL to “be better” when it comes to racial discrimination

In case you missed it earlier this week former NHLer Akim Aliu, the man who came forward with his story about facing racial discrimination from former NHL head coach Bill Peters, penned a very sincere account of the struggles he has endured as a minority in the hockey world.

Peters, of course, was outed for using racist language with Aliu during their time together with the Rockford IceHogs during the 2009-10 AHL season. When Aliu’s allegations came to light it triggered an entire “Me Too” movement in the NHL that saw Peters dismissed from his job as the Calgary Flames’ head coach. Other prominent hockey coaches like Mike Babcock, Marc Crawford and Darryl Sutter were also put on notice for what many felt was unfair and cruel treatment.

But that’s not all Aliu had to endure during his time in the hockey world. He also shared a recounting of the horrific hazing incident that he dealt with during his time with the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires and the lack of empathy or support shown by that team’s coaching staff. In effect, Aliu pointed his finger squarely at the hockey world to “be better” and foster better experiences and surroundings for players, especially younger players.

Whether you agree with Aliu’s assertions or not, there’s no denying that his article was the talk of the hockey world yesterday.

Past and current NHLers weighed in on Aliu’s article, mostly with positivity and encouragement. Anaheim Ducks goaltender Ryan Miller took a stand and encouraged everyone to “active participants in the change that is needed.” 

Check it out:

Ryan Miller. All class, all the time. I wouldn’t expect anything less.