Peters resigned on Friday after allegations came out of possible racial and physical abuse of playersGETTY IMAGES
Flames GM Brad Treliving in the aftermath of coach Bill Peters' resignation "apologized for not moving the process along in a timely fashion, recognizing that many have criticized him for not taking action sooner" in regards to the "startling allegations of racial slurs" that Peters used toward a player about a decade ago, according to Kristen Anderson of the CALGARY SUN. Treliving while meeting with media on Friday "emphasized the need to handle this situation correctly, rather than quickly." He said that there were "certain things he could not answer due to legal implications." Peters had "submitted his resignation letter" earlier that day. When the Flames were originally made aware of the allegations last Monday, Treliving reached out to former NHLer Akim Aliu to "start working on an independent review" of what he said happened when both he and Peters were part of the AHL Rockford IceHogs organization. Treliving said that this was the "first of two conversations he had" with Aliu. Treliving also contacted members of the IceHogs organization, "including five players that were part of that team," and management of the Blackhawks, their NHL affiliate. Treliving was also "made aware of allegations" by former Hurricanes player Michal Jordan, who indicated that Peters, when he was coaching the team, had "kicked him and punched another unnamed player in the head." Treliving said that he "contacted Jordan, and past and current members of the Hurricanes' management staff" (CALGARY SUN, 12/1).
NEXT STEPS: In Calgary, Wes Gilbertson wrote the "emotion was evident" as Treliving told media the Peters saga has been the most difficult thing in his career. Treliving said that information from the Flames' investigation will "now be turned over to league officials" (CALGARY HERALD, 11/30). Treliving said that the Flames' review "has concluded." The NHL, however, said that its "review of 'this serious matter is ongoing,' adding that there are meetings scheduled with Aliu and 'relevant individuals' in the coming days." THE HOCKEY NEWS' Jared Clinton noted Treliving "categorically denied that the Flames had any knowledge of the alleged incidents before they came to light" (THEHOCKEYNEWS.com, 11/29).
OTHER IMPLICATIONS: NHL Seattle GM Ron Francis in a statement Saturday said that he took alleged physical abuse by Peters "'very seriously' when both were working" for the Hurricanes. In Seattle, Geoff Baker noted Francis "did not say what steps he took with Peters, but added that he briefed the team's ownership at the time." That "contradicts what then-Hurricanes Owner Peter Karmanos said" last week. Karmanos said that he would have "fired Peters 'in a nanosecond' had anyone told him about the incidents" (SEATTLE TIMES, 11/30). Karmanos said that he was "not informed by Francis about the two incidents." Francis said that while serving as Hurricanes GM, he was "first made aware of the two physical incidents by a group of players and hockey staff members" (Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER, 12/1).
WAS ENOUGH DONE? Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour, who was an assistant under Peters at the time, said that the matter was "taken to Canes management." Francis in July '16 gave Peters a contract extension through the '18-19 season (Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER, 12/1). In Raleigh, Luke DeCock wrote while the regime in charge of the Hurricanes has changed since Peters departed in '18, there "still has to be a reckoning for those who enabled and even encouraged him." DeCock: "Add another page to Ron Francis' dubious legacy as the Hurricanes' general manager" (Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER, 11/30).
