B.C. Hockey League team pulls broadcaster off the air after racist comment

by Charlie Smith on April 23rd, 2022 at 7:54 AM

1 of 1 2 of 1

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs responded quickly to a discriminatory remark in the team's broadcast booth.

The B.C. Hockey League tweeted that during last night's (April 22) game against the Langley Rivermen, Bruce MacDonald "made a racist comment". The colour commentator's statement was directed at Rivermen player Owen Kim. It came during the second period.

"The Bulldogs were immediately informed of the comments and took action by removing Mr. MacDonald from the broadcast," the league stated. "The BCHL and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs would like to apologize to Owen Kim and his family as well as anyone else who may have heard the comment."

MacDonald has been banned from any future broadcasts involving any BCHL team.

His Twitter account has been deactivated. It previously described him as a fly-fishing nut and retired CPGA golf professional.

In 2017, MacDonald retired as the head professional of the Alberni Golf Club, according to a news story in the Alberni Valley News.

Last month, he tweeted that Don Cherry should have his face on the $100 bill.

https://twitter.com/fabvelasco89/status/1517738278224490496

The Peak 93.3 FM also issued a statement saying that it stands with the BCHL and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in apologizing to Kim, his family, the Langley Rivermen, and its listeners.

https://twitter.com/933thepeak/status/1517767248487731200

Under the federal Broadcasting Act, a broadcaster can be penalized for violating the terms of its licence to the public airwaves.

The quick response generated plenty of praise over social media.

"Big respect for the immediate action," commented teacher and oyster farmer Jeremy Trot Zeitlin. "No 'internal review' needed. Say something racist, pack your stuff and go."