Former player accuses Flames coach Peters of "dropping the N bomb several times"

Following the uncovering of Mike Babcock’s bizarre coaching tactic with the Toronto Maple Leafs, a former player has made a far more damning allegation about Calgary Flames head coach Bill Peters.

Former Flames defenceman Akim Aliu claimed that Peters “dropped the N bomb several times” towards him 10 years ago, in a series of tweets posted Monday night. Aliu, who was 20-years-old at the time, says Peters did so because he didn’t like his choice of music.

Not very surprising the things we’re hearing about Babcock. Apple doesn’t fall far from the Tree, same sort of deal with his protege in YYC. Dropped the N bomb several times towards me in the dressing room in my rookie year because he didn’t like my choice of music. First one to

— Akim Aliu (@Dreamer_Aliu78) November 26, 2019

admit I rebelled against him. Wouldn’t you? And instead of remedying the situation, he wrote a letter to John McDonough and Stan Bowman to have me sent down to the ECHL. 20 year old on pace for 20 goals in his first pro year with zero PP/PK time was off to a great start in his

— Akim Aliu (@Dreamer_Aliu78) November 26, 2019

Pro career

— Akim Aliu (@Dreamer_Aliu78) November 26, 2019

The incident appears to have occurred when the pair were together with the Chicago Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate in Rockford during the 2009-10 season. Aliu scored 17 points (11-6-17) in 48 games but was also sent down to the ECHL for 13 games.

Peters, who Aliu referred to as Babcock’s “protégé,” later worked alongside Babcock as an assistant coach for three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.

• See also:
  • Marner confirms Babcock made him rank Leafs teammates based on work ethic
  • Slumping Flames set franchise record for consecutive time without leading
  • Vindictive ex-NHL player rips fired Leafs coach Mike Babcock

Aliu tweeted these allegations during Calgary’s road game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Following the game, Peters wasn’t made available to the media, as is customary for NHL coaches.

Instead, Flames GM Brad Treliving spoke, and released this statement:

“Through social media, we became aware of this issue during the game this evening. We take these matters very seriously. We want to complete a full and proper investigation before we provide any further comments on the matter.”

A statement from #Flames GM Brad Treliving. pic.twitter.com/Glm8DTFolq

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) November 26, 2019

The NHL has also released a statement, saying: “The behaviour that has been alleged is repugnant and unacceptable. We will have no further comment until we have had an opportunity to look into the matter more thoroughly.”

Peters has not yet been fired, as was briefly reported by Sportsnet, though his job is most certainly in jeopardy depending on the findings of the investigation.