Homophobic slur allegedly directed at West Kelowna Warrior player during Tuesday's BCHL game

Photo: Contributed

The BC Hockey League says it is investigating allegations of a homophobic slur uttered by a member of the Penticton Vees during Tuesday's BCHL game at Royal LePage Place.

The league says its director of public safety was made aware of the allegation following the game, however, communications manager Jesse Adamson tells Castanet the on ice officials working the game did not hear the interaction.

"We take any allegation like this very seriously," said Adamson.

He says the BCHL strives to be a safe place for all players, free from verbal harassment of any kind.

Fans attending the game claim a player with the West Kelowna Warriors was called a f****t late in what was a very emotional game between the two teams.

Vees head coach and GM Fred Harbinson told Castanet he stands by the player in question.

"The comment that was made was obviously misunderstood. The comment that was made, the player was called a fraud," said Harbinson.

"I trust the player in question. We were standing in the same vicinity on the bench without a glass pane in between, and we heard what we heard.

"It's unfortunate if they thought some other word was said. It's not what we're about."

Harbinson says he wishes the incident had remained an internal matter.

The Warriors have chosen not to comment on the incident.