Aliu after Peters gets KHL job: 'I believe in second chances'

Akim Aliu is taking the high road.

The target of Bill Peters' racism released a statement after the head coach landed a KHL job on Thursday.

"Hockey is for all. I believe in second chances for everyone, that we can all find forgiveness in our heart, and that real, positive change is coming if we continue to work together," he said, according to TSN's Frank Seravalli. "I don't resent a man for finding work, but I will fight to make sure those same opportunities are available to everyone, on and off the ice, regardless of the race or ethnicity."

Aliu tweeted in November that Peters directed the N-word toward him multiple times 10 years ago while the two were members of the AHL's Rockford IceHogs. Peters was the head coach, and Aliu was an up-and-coming prospect.

Peters, who was the head coach of the Calgary Flames when the allegations surfaced, resigned less than a week later.

Aliu spoke with the NHL in December and was optimistic about the meeting, saying there's "big change coming."

"I'm also patiently looking forward to the outcome of the NHL's investigation. Only with the past behind us can we focus on the future," he continued in his Thursday statementr. "That means bringing hockey to the underprivileged youth in order to make the game more diverse, affordable, and accessible to all regardless of race, gender, and economic background. Stay tuned #TimeToDream."

Aliu said in January that he believes Peters "ruined and deterred" his career. He ended up playing seven NHL games after the Chicago Blackhawks drafted him in the second round in 2007.

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