Akim Aliu believes 'big change coming'

Akim Aliu made his NHL debut with the Calgary Flames in April 2012. He's pictured here during a practice on Feb. 22, 2013.

Akim Aliu believes change is on the way.

Shortly after meeting with National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly, Aliu addressed reporters in Toronto.

Aliu came forward with allegations that then Calgary Flames head coach Bill Peters had used racist language in front of him during the 2009-10 season when the two were with the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs.

“We had some great discussions with Gary and Bill, who couldn’t have been kinder and (more) receptive to the message we were trying to bring,” Aliu told reporters Tuesday. “I think there’s some big change coming, and it’s long overdue. I’m excited to see it come to fruition.”

Shortly after the meeting, Bettman and Daly also released a statement.

“We are pleased to have met with Akim Aliu today and had a productive and candid conversation,” Tuesday’s statement said. “Today’s discussion is part of a broader, thorough review and process that the League is undertaking. We share a mutual objective: ensuring that hockey is an open and inclusive sport at all levels.

“The League will have no further comment until after the Board of Governors meeting next Monday and Tuesday.”

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