Mother of Black hockey player feels 'relief' after suspensions for alleged racial abuse

The mother of a Black minor hockey player in Gatineau, Que., who says he was racially abused by other players has expressed relief after her son's team announced six of his teammates would be suspended.

Earlier this week, Anthony Allain-Samaké and one of his teammates from the L'Intrépide de Gatineau M15 AAA team had previously denounced incidents of racial abuse.

Samaké's mom, Julie Allain, says her son has continued playing for the team despite knowing it was a racist environment.

Then on Friday the team, L'Intrépide de Gatineau, suspended six players in response to the allegations, as well as apologized to the two U15 AAA players and their families "following deplorable incidents that occurred on and off the ice."

"Knowing that finally the message is: 'Racism is not acceptable in hockey. It's tolerance zero.' It's a relief for us," said Allain.

The suspensions came after the team conducted its own investigation, and 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."

Hockey Quebec also cancelled the final two games of the team's season, scheduled for this weekend, in a move co-ordinated with the Ligue de Hockey d'Excellence du Québec.

The governing body also wants "those involved in the events that