A colour commentator with the junior-level B.C. Hockey League was removed midway through a game on Friday after making racist comments about a player on air.
The comments came during the second period of a BCHL playoff game between the host Alberni Valley Bulldogs and the Langley Rivermen. Read more: Independent committee finds racism, discrimination in Greater Toronto Hockey League During a stop in play, commentator Bruce MacDonald could be heard questioning whether Rivermen forward Owen Kim could speak English.
Play-by-play broadcaster Evan Hammond immediately responded, “that’s too far.” MacDonald apologized at the first stoppage of the third period, and Hammond also apologized during the first stoppage of play in the third period.
Reaction was swift. The Bulldogs removed MacDonald from the broadcast and released a statement apologizing and saying he was banned from future broadcasts.