The player in question is Ethan Hay, a Captain of the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL, who was kicked out of the game against the Owen Sound Attack on the 27th of October.
The league deemed the comment disrespectful and contentious and would receive a game misconduct with 5:33 left against the Owen Sound Attack.
The junior league is attempting to correct course but implementing rules that increase respect between competitors. But Hay can't seem to keep his mouth shut.
Hay's comment will see him miss 5 games in the OHL this season, and for the seventh-round pick, this will not look good on his resume.
Rico Phillips is the OHL's Director of Cultural Diversity and Inclusion followed up with the players after the incident.
He mentioned that it was a growing experience for both of these players involved.
There's been no mention of what Hay said to his fellow competitor that warranted suspension. But he sat out on Sunday against the Kitchener Rangers, as the Spirit lost 4-2.
The other player involved in the incident was Pierce Mbuyi who would receive a holding penalty during the altercation.
The Spirit will miss Hay's skills on the ice, as he has scored 8 points( 5 G, 3 A) in 13 games this season.
There's a big difference between a chirp and a comment that is meant to harm someone personally. Whatever Hay said he's owned it and has said he'll serve his time and return to the ice when the five-game suspension is over with.
For now, Hay will have to miss significant ice-time, and the 19-year-old is eager to compete once again.
Maybe, he'll learn how to chirp instead of just pushing buttons.
POLL | ||
Do you think Hay made an innocent chirp or a racist comment? | ||
Chirp | 11 | 57.9 % |
Racist comment | 8 | 42.1 % |
List of polls |