WHL Statement Regarding Return to Coaching for Bill Peters
August 30, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release
Calgary, Alta. - The Western Hockey League today issued the following statement regarding Bill Peters' return to coaching with the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
Following extensive consultation with Shades of Humanity Consulting, a national diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting agency, WHL Commissioner Ron Robison is satisfied Peters has undertaken the necessary redemptive steps to return to coaching in the WHL.
"After a thorough review, speaking with representatives from Shades of Humanity, and receiving a commitment from Bill to continue on his path of anti-racism, self-growth and redemption, the WHL is satisfied Bill is ready to return to coaching in the WHL," commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. "The journey towards individual and systemic equity learning should be viewed as an ongoing process. Bill has demonstrated that through this process and the WHL remains committed to systemic change through continued education."
Peters resigned as Head Coach of the NHL's Calgary Flames on November 29, 2019, after it became public that he had committed an act of anti-black racism involving a former player. The incident occurred when Peters was Head Coach of the AHL's Rockford IceHogs during the 2009-10 season.
Following a lengthy period of reflection, Peters has spent the past year in the Shades of Humanity Anti-Racism Training and Coaching Certification program, which helps organizations achieve their equity and inclusion goals. Shades of Humanity Consulting provides organizational culture change education and people development systems in diversity, inclusion, leadership, unconscious bias training, and anti-racism.
"Over the last several years, I have worked to understand my previous anti-black racist thoughts and actions," Peters said. "I have learned much through this reformational journey and feel ready to return to coaching. I am in an influential position to positively impact community leaders and contribute to a more inclusive generation in hockey. I will share the tools I have learned with the Lethbridge Hurricanes organization and am fully committed to building a safe environment in our dressing room, community, and in our sport."
All players, staff, and individuals associated with the WHL and its 22 member Clubs are expected to uphold and adhere to various personal conduct regulations and policies, including the WHL Diversity and Inclusion Policy, which speaks directly to anti-racism.
The Western Hockey League remains committed to the ongoing education of its players, staff and all individuals associated with the League and its 22 member Clubs through its industry-leading Respect in Hockey program.
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