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Prince George’s Brandon Manning serving five-game AHL suspension for use of racial slur

Edmonton Oilers affiliate player issued statement following league’s decision
Brandon Manning - Edmonton Oilers 2
Brandon Manning (#26) of Prince George after a fight against the Carolina Hurricanes with the Edmonton Oilers (via NHL)

A Prince George hockey product says his actions during a game this week were ‘stupid’ and ‘offensive.’

Brandon Manning, who’s been playing with the Edmonton Oilers’ minor-league affiliate in Bakersfield, Cali. since being placed on waivers at the end of December, has been assessed a five-game suspension for directing a racial slur towards an opposing player Monday night (Jan. 20).

The 29-year-old’s actions against the Ontario Reign (Los Angeles Kings) landed him a game misconduct, as per American Hockey League (AHL) rules, ahead of Tuesday's (Jan. 21) decision. 

Manning issued a statement explaining the events that happened following the suspension announcement.

“After the game, I spoke with the opposing player in-person, which I’m very grateful for,” he said in a Bakersfield Condors’ team release. 

“He allowed me to apologize and I took full responsibility for what I said. To say I’ve learned from this situation is an understatement and I promise to be better."

Manning’s actions come during a time when race and inclusion have become a hot topic in the game of hockey, focusing on educating players about their actions in the sport.

The former Prince George Spruce King and Cariboo Cougar will be eligible to play as early as Wednesday, Feb. 5. 

He has four assists in 10 games with Bakersfield.

Manning has played nine NHL games this year with Edmonton with just a single point in that stint.

His NHL career includes 48 points in 255 games with Chicago and Philadelphia before getting traded to Alberta’s capital in December 2018.