AHL suspends Ben Holmstrom eight games for using homophobic language

[Tao Jersey Jones]

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League today announced that Rochester Americans forward Ben Holmstrom has been suspended for eight (8) games as a consequence of his actions during a game vs. Utica on Mar. 30.

Holmstrom was assessed a game misconduct at 20:00 of the first period after using homophobic language.

As part of the suspension, Holmstrom will be participating in diversity and inclusion education. The American Hockey League is committed to building a culture that is safe, inclusive, and free from abuse, harassment and all forms of unethical behavior or misconduct.

Holmstrom has already served two games of the suspension.

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[tarheelhockey]

Interesting to see them actually crack down on this (assuming it is the word that is 99% most likely). AFAIK, it's the first indication that there are actual consequences for using homophobic language on the field of play, and therefore the first step toward a real sense of it being out-of-bounds.