Krystof Hrabik is eligible to take the ice again. Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Krystof Hrabik reinstated after serving suspension for racist gesture

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 3/30/22

The American Hockey League announced Wednesday it reinstated San Jose Barracuda forward Krystof Hrabik following a 28-game suspension.

Hrabik was suspended by the league in January for making a racist gesture toward Tuscon Roadrunners forward Bokondji Imama. The Czech skater released a statement apologizing to Imama upon being suspended.

Krystof Hrabik, suspended today by the AHL, releases a statement where he apologizes to Boko Imama, accepts responsibility and “will do everything in my power to atone.” pic.twitter.com/2XLH31TeVL
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 22, 2022

"People should know that I had absolutely no inappropriate intent," Hrabik's statement reads. "The gesture was made in the heat of battle and while I didn't mean anything racist by what I did, I realize now through my own ignorance how my gesture could be interpreted."

Hrabik served 28 games out of the original 30-game suspension following time served working with the National Hockey League’s Player Inclusion Committee. According to the AHL's release, the league "believes that individual inclusion learning is a key element of improving league-wide culture. As such, Hrabik was provided the opportunity to work with the Player Inclusion Committee to participate in education and training on racism and inclusion; he was eligible to apply for a reduction to the suspension subject to an assessment of his progress in that program."

The left-shooting skater is in his second season with the Barracuda, the minor league affiliate of the San Jose Sharks. He is eligible to return to the team on April 3.

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