Canadian Matt Petgrave talks racial incident during game in Slovakia that had everyone on edge (w/video)

Matt Petgrave, originally from Toronto, is playing in Slovakia this season after suiting up for several teams in the AHL and ECHL since 2016. The 29-year-old said he's enjoyed his time in that country so far, and that's why he was shocked at an incident over the weekend where fans and a custodian yelled racial slurs at him and teammate Arvin Atwal. He says it was the first time for anything like this with his new team.

"Yes, that's why it shocked me. It's just that, even though there were words with fans before, I encountered a positive atmosphere," said Petgrave. "Even the opponents' supporters were able to appreciate our good actions. They even congratulated us if we won. I always had good feelings. I had not experienced any signs of racism in Slovakia so far."

Petgrave said he wasn't sure what was happening at first, as there is a language barrier to overcome.

"During the match people were shouting and gesticulating, but I don't speak Slovak, so I couldn't identify exactly what they were saying, only what my teammates translated for me," he said. "It didn't feel good. Arvin and I were their targets, which was not pleasant. It was a couple of people around the rink and also the guy behind our bench. There was a lot of emotion in the game."

Petgrave and Atwal's team, Spisska Nova Ves, is calling on the league to fire the custodian, saying it's not the first time he's been involved in an incident like this.

"After the game, we were leaving the ice and their custodian, who I heard was also under the influence of alcohol, stood in front of our captain, Braň Rapáč. We immediately stood up for him. It was strange that he was at our dressing room, while all the other people from the Michalovice management team were already heading to their dressing room. We thought the game was over and nothing would be solved after the handshake. Then there was a little melee and we heard that people were fighting in front of the stadium as well, which I'm sorry about."

You can view video of the incident in front of the dressing room below. Petgrave was asked if anyone from Michalovice's management team had apologized to him.

"Not yet, but I don't think the Michalovice management should apologise for the behaviour of a few fans, although it's sad. I believe they don't share their views. There were a few people in the bowels of the stadium asking if I was OK, for which I thank them. As well as the security and police forces who did a great job. I heard that fans wanted to storm into our dressing room, but the people I mentioned didn't let them."

Petgrave added that he won't judge the entire country of Slovakia based on the actions of a few people.

"Certainly this incident will not change my view of the whole country. It's a shame because I can see how the Slovaks care about hockey, they like it and the league has a high status among them. I hope that this incident will turn into a positive and will remain just an isolated failure of individuals."