Former Montreal Canadiens defenseman PK Subban says Hockey Canada officials prevented him from being himself and participating in the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
On Thursday, the 34-year-old athlete posted a video from the CBC series “Black Life: Untold Stories.” In it he talks about his experiences with the association.
“I was told that I couldn't celebrate when I was playing if I scored a goal. This was not the way Canadians should act. Can someone show me how a Canadian should behave?,” Subban said.
“I have lived in this country since I was born. I was told that my character was not like the characters of the other players on the team. When I think about all the other athletes in Canadian history, the black athletes who have excelled at high levels, I understand very well what they faced.
“You could argue that playing hockey for Canada in the Olympics is the highest level you can achieve as a Canadian. And that's how I was treated the year I won the Norris Trophy as the best defenseman in the National Hockey League.
During the Olympics in Russia, Subban was Canada's seventh defenseman. He played only one of the six games for the team, which finished the competition with a gold medal around its neck.
At the time, the Toronto native was in his fifth season with CH and the Bettman circuit. He had an excellent 2012-2013 season, scoring 11 goals and 27 assists for 38 points in 42 games. Subban was rewarded with the James Norris Trophy.