After an investigation into a racist gesture by Dauphin Kings defenceman Klim Georgiev, the Manitoba Junior Hockey League has suspended the 20-year-old Toronto native for 18 games, 11 regular season and seven playoff games.
The suspension is subject to completion of the process of reconciliation as a result of his gross misconduct penalty for discriminatory taunting under Hockey Canada rule 11.4.
Georgiev received a gross misconduct for his actions at the end of a game between the Kings and Waywayseecappo Wolverines, Feb. 19.
The discriminatory taunting was a public display, which consisted of a widely recognized racial gesture which was hurtful to many who viewed it. The gesture was directed specifically to an Indigenous player while he was skating away well after the final buzzer of the game.
This gesture, it was indicated, was in retaliation to the action of the opposing player making a celebratory gesture earlier in the game after a goal. After a thorough review of the video and in consultation with the on-ice officials, this factor was found to be without merit or justification. The opposing players’ celebratory action was a common manner of celebration after a goal.
In any event or situation, hurtful retaliation is unacceptable, a league statement said.
This incident has been reviewed and deemed as conduct detrimental to the game of hockey and the MJHL.
Georgiev’s apology to the player and the Wolverines organization has been accepted and he has started his process of reconciliation, which will include further anti-racism and cultural sensitivity training. The MJHL asks everyone to respect Georgiev’s privacy as he goes through this process.
The Dauphin Kings organization has accepted this decision and has committed to working with Georgiev throughout this process. The Kings have also committed to continuing their work with Wade Houle of Bright Sky Consulting and Treaty 2 leadership in consultation with the Wolverines’ organization to address this incident and to further combat racism in hockey.
The MJHL sincerely appreciate and recognize Houle’s ongoing efforts in delivering the on-going MJHL Anti-Racism and Cultural Sensitivity Training Education Program to all member teams and for his significant additional consultation during this review and ensuing process. Bright Sky Consulting works with a variety of businesses and organizations who seek Houle’s expertise in the implementation of their in-house anti-racism, discrimination and cultural sensitivity training. Houle is an MJHL alumnus and is a member of the Ebb and Flow First Nation.
Racial and discriminatory actions, gestures or behaviours, regardless of intent, will not be tolerated in the MJHL. The league appreciates and wishes to acknowledge the input and co-operation by all parties involved throughout this review process and it remains resolute in its pledge to further educating and advancing its commitment to providing a diverse and inclusive environment free of discrimination of any kind.
The Kings expressed their support of the MJHL’s decision to suspend Georgiev and will continue to support and guide him through this process.
Although Klim and the Kings have taken many steps towards the reconciliation process, they recognize that there are many more steps to take.
The Kings would like to thank the Wolverines organization and their community for keeping an open mind and allowing the Kings to take these steps.
The Kings also ask that everyone please support Klim’s personal life and allow him the opportunity to work through the reconciliation process.
