Akim Aliu set for pro hockey return in Czech league

Akim Aliu will reportedly resume his professional hockey career with HC Litvinov of the Czech Extraliga.

According to Sports Illustrated, the 30-year-old former NHL forward will join his new team Wednesday and play the rest of the season, starting with Friday’s game.

Aliu, drafted 56th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2007, went public in November with details of racist comments by coach Bill Peters, when both were with the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs. Peters resigned from his role as head coach of the Calgary Flames soon after, while Aliu has been a force for positive change in talks with the NHL and in other forums.

On Tuesday, the AHL suspended Bakersfield Condors defenceman Brandon Manning five games for using a racial slur against Bokondji Imama of the Ontario Reign in a Monday game.