Investigation launched after minor hockey goalie peppered with racial slurs during tournament

Once again, racism in hockey rears its ugly head. Mark Connors, a 16-year-old goalie with the Halifax Hawks U18 AA team, is speaking out after having racial slurs hurled at him several times during a tournament in Charlottetown, P.E.I., from November 18th to the 21st. Connors said the first incident happened during a game against the Sherwood Falcons.

"Some of the younger kids in the stands were calling me a racial slur, one guy said Halifax has a n----r for a goalie," said Connors. "In the third period they kept on talking, saying n--, n--, n--."

Both his coach and teammates heard it. And, it got worse from there. Connors said he and his teammates decided to check out the gym at the hotel following the game. While going back to their rooms, they walked past rooms containing players from a team based in P.E.I.

"When I walked by them they said, 'You shouldn't be playing hockey, this is a white man's sport'," said Connors.

Hockey PEI has launched a full investigation. Meanwhile, the Halifax Hawks have stated none of their teams in any division will play in tournaments in Prince Edward Island until "there is real change."

"We are disgusted by the racist actions of players and parents during a game that all have a right to enjoy," said Halifax Hawks Minor Hockey president Spiro Bokolas

"I am sick to my stomach just thinking about it and will continue to follow up with Hockey PEI and Hockey Nova Scotia to see that this gets addressed appropriately."

This isn't the first time Connors has faced racism in the sport. His father spoke out three-and-a-half years ago after his son was called the N-word after stopping another boy who was on a breakaway.

PK Subban caught wind of Connors' most recent story and posted on his Instagram about it.

"When does it stop? Believe it or not these stories are sent to me everyday. This is happening everyday in our game. EVERYDAY! Leave your comments and support for Mark below. Hang in there Mark! We got you."

Source: CBC.ca

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