Athlete Ally Responds to AHL Player’s Homophobic Language
April 7, 2022 — Athlete Ally responded to news that American Hockey League Rochester Americans forward Ben Holmstrom has been suspended eight games for using anti-gay language.
ESPN reported that Holmstrom, signed to a professional tryout in February, was assessed a game misconduct for using offensive language at the end of the first period of a home game against the Utica Comets on March 30. AHL officials say that as part of his punishment Holmstrom will participate in “diversity and inclusive education.”
“There is no place for anti-LGBTQI+ language or behavior in sport,” said Joanna Hoffman, Director of Communications at Athlete Ally. “We hope to see Ben Holmstrom take proactive steps to learn about the ways discriminatory language contributes to unsafe environments for LGBTQI+ athletes and fans.”