The ECHL has suspended Jacob Panetta for the rest of the season for making a racial gesture towards Jordan Subban.
Panetta can ask for a reduction of his suspension and apply for a return to the ECHL after March 17 if he successfully completes a learning experience with the National Hockey League's Player Inclusion Committee.
The Icemen released Panetta on Sunday after the ECHL suspended him indefinitely.
There was an incident in overtime. A fight broke out between the teams after South Carolina's Andrew Cherniwchan collided with Jacksonville's Justin Kapelmaster. Subban said he tried to fight Panetta. Panetta made fun of Subban, who is black.
Subban said that he punched him in the face multiple times after he made monkey gestures at him.
P.K. Subban shared the video of the incident after it was captured by a Jacksonville fan.
They don't call the league the "jungle" because my brother and the other black players are monkeys. Jacob Panetta, you shouldn't be so quick to quit your social media accounts. P.K. Subban said that he believed you would be able to play again.
Panetta released a video statement this week claiming that he made a tough guy gesture towards Subban and said there is footage of him making the same gesture to non-racialized players a number of times.
Panetta apologized to Subban and his family and said his gesture was not intended to be racist.
Ryan Crelin said that Panetta's intent wasn't relevant.
Crelin said that insensitive actions and gestures, regardless of intent, cannot be accepted in our game.
The Icemen said that the hockey world needs to understand and recognize all forms of racism to ensure that we will abolish it from our game forever.
There is no room for racism in our game. The unfortunate incident gives us an opportunity to make a difference in our sport. This is an opportunity for us to use our platform to inform and educate. Not just for our players and fans, but our community as well. The Icemen said in a statement that they must do more if they want to grow their sport and engage minorities.
The New York Rangers have a minor league affiliate called the Icemen. The Washington Capitals have an affiliation with the Stingrays.
One day after the American Hockey League suspended San Jose Barracuda forward Krystof Hrabik for 30 games for making a racist gesture, another incident occurred. Hrabik mimicked the movements of a monkey in a taunting gesture towards Imama, who is black.
If the suspended player took part in training with the NHL's Player Inclusion Committee, the league would offer a reduced suspension for a racist incident. After missing 21 games, Hrabik can apply to the American Hockey League for a return, but a decision will be based on an evaluation of his progress in the necessary education and training.
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