Akim Aliu's stint in Czech league did not impress his coach

Vladimir Kyhos was brought in by HC Litvinov of the Czech Extraliga last year to rescue the club. Buried at the bottom of the table for most of the year, Kyhos and Litvinov survived a playoff at the end of the season to avoid relegation. Though he was not offered the head coaching job for next season, Kyhos, a former star player who spent his best years at HC Litvinov in the 1970s and 80s, was interview by Hokej.cz, the Czech league's official site about his experience.

Among the subjects that came up, was that of Akim Aliu, the former Calgary prospect whose name has become synonymous with the struggle of players of colour in professional hockey. The story of the racial abuse he suffered from Flames coach Bill Peters led to the latter's resignation.

Aliu's latest stint in professional hockey came with Kyhos' Litvinov club as he signed a contract for the last 14 games of the season back in January, 2020. But the 31-year-old was used sparingly by the struggling club. He played in only six games, scoring one goal and adding two assists. While avoiding Aliu's history of enduring racist abuse from Peters and others, Kyhos mentioned that he had seen his fair share of players not benefitting from video sessions with a coach, because they were unable to take responsibility and always cast blame at the situation rather than their own play. Kyhos was appreciative of Aliu's offensive capabilities, but felt that he made major individual mistakes, especially on the defensive side.

When asked if Aliu lacked self-reflection, Kyhos responded: "Yes, self-reflection and modesty." His unwillingness to take responsibility for his on-ice play also caused. Everything else was at fault, except him. It is difficult to work with this type of player." Kyhos also wondered if Aliu's attitude contributed to him moving around so often.

Kyhos himself has spent time coaching various clubs of the Czech Extraliga. As a coach his teams finished second twice and third once, mirroring his accomplishments as a player. He also played for the 1984 Czechoslovakian Olympic squad, which brought home the silver medal.

Source: Hokej.cz

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