The BC Junior Hockey League (BCHL) says a member of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ radio broadcast was removed Friday night, after a racist comment was made during a playoff game.
In a statement shortly after the game had ended, the BCHL said “During the second period of tonight’s game between the Alberni Valley Bulldogs and the Langley Rivermen, Bruce MacDonald made a racist comment towards Rivermen player Owen Kim.”
The statement continued, “The Bulldogs were immediately informed of the comments and took action by removing Mr. MacDonald from the broadcast.” The BCHL also says MacDonald has been banned from any future BCHL broadcasts.
BCHL and Alberni Valley Bulldogs statement regarding a racist comment on tonight's broadcast. pic.twitter.com/X23QvZYnaF
— BCHL (@BCHockeyLeague) April 23, 2022
Rivermen Communications and Digital Media Coordinator Mac Guardiero posted video, with audio of the clip, on Twitter, where after a confrontation between Kim and a Bulldogs’ player, MacDonald could be heard saying “does he speak English? Maybe that’s the problem.”
I don’t care what anyone says, this is inexcusable. Do better. https://t.co/eELn0Pp29H pic.twitter.com/EpLknF0s93
— Mac Guardiero (@MacGuardiero) April 23, 2022
Bulldogs’ play-by-play broadcaster Evan Hammond immediately responded to the comment by saying “ok, come on. That’s too far.”
Kudos to @HamWilder for saying something right away. Being a bystander is easier but he didn’t and that deserves a thank you. https://t.co/qk5Ff6d802
— Tali Campbell (@CampbellTali) April 23, 2022
The league statement added, “The BCHL and Alberni Valley Bulldogs would like to apologize to Owen Kim and his family, as well as anyone else who may have heard the comment.”
Tonight our game was overshadowed by an inexcusable comment on our broadcast. With the support of the @BCHockeyLeague we removed the commentator immediately. On behalf of the Bulldogs, I’d like to apologize to Owen and the Kim family. Racism has no place in hockey. pic.twitter.com/6DrMaodXRa
— David P. Michaud (@dpmichaud) April 23, 2022
The Bulldogs won game five, 2-1, to keep their season alive. Alberni Valley trails the best-of-seven second round series three-games-to-two, with game six in Langley Saturday night.
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