6 Quebec minor hockey players suspended over alleged racial abuse of Black players

After some Black minor hockey players in western Quebec alleged they were racially abused, a Gatineau, Que., team has suspended six of its players and the provincial governing body cancelled weekend games.

L'Intrépide de Gatineau issued a news release Friday in response to the allegations by apologizing to two U15 AAA players and their families "following deplorable incidents that occurred on and off the ice."

The team also announced, after conducting its own investigation, six players would be suspended over the allegations.

Anthony Allain Samake and one of his teammates from the L'Intrépide de Gatineau M15 AAA team had previously denounced incidents of racial abuse.

Along with the six player suspensions, the team says all players on the team will also take an education and awareness class on discrimination.

"We regret the impact they have had on the two young players targeted by the racist gestures and comments," said Intrépide president Michel Andre in a statement, noting the people involved are all minors.

"We must provide our young athletes with organized sport activities that take place in a healthy, safe environment free from discrimination. We are determined to eliminate discriminatory behaviour or remarks against players, coaches or officials or any other persons."

Also on Friday, the board of Hockey Quebec issued its own news release seeking suspensions for all parties involved in racial abuse. 

In a statement, the board asked for L'Intrépide de Gatineau "to suspend anyone involved in the allegations until the complaints officer's investigations are concluded."

The governing body is also cancelling the final two games of the team's season, scheduled for this weekend, in a move co-ordinated with the Ligue de