Former pro hockey player Akim Aliu has a graphic novel in the works that tells his story and how he overcame racism and poverty.

Members of the recently formed Hockey Diversity Alliance are sharing their painful experiences in launching a campaign to eradicate racism in the NHL.

The NHL on Thursday cleared Dale Tallon of any wrongdoing after an independent investigation found it could not substantiate claims he made inappropriate racial, religious and ethnic comments as general manager of the Florida Panthers. The NHL found Tallon did not violate any of those. The team hired longtime agent-turned Columbus Blue Jackets assistant GM as Tallon's replacement. Tallon has been linked to a possible job in the Pittsburgh Penguins front office after they fired assistant GM Jason Karmanos this week. Tallon did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment on the NHL's investigation.

The NHL is investigating whether former Florida Panthers general manager Dale Tallon made racially insensitive comments during the team's two-week stay in the playoff hub city of Toronto. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the investigation to The Associated Press on Friday. The publication cited a unidentified person in reporting Tallon used racially charged language during the Panthers' time in the Eastern Conference's playoff hub. After 10 years with the Panthers, Tallon was let go Aug. 10 after Florida was eliminated by the New York Islanders. The investigation comes as the NHL postponed two days of playoff games to focus awareness on racial injustice issues.

Seven current or former black NHL players formed the Hockey Diversity Alliance on Monday, creating another avenue to fight racism and intolerance in the sport. Our mission is to eradicate racism and intolerance in hockey, the group said in a letter. The Hockey Diversity Alliance will be independent of the NHL but hopes to work in tandem with the league to promote diversity and inclusion. He called on white athletes in hockey and others sports to also speak out, and more than 100 NHL players have posted on social media about the subject. In creating our alliance, we are confident we can inspire a new generation of hockey players and fans, the group said.