I once swore to never criticize my boys, but I cannot turn a blind eye to this. This feels personal.
Simon. My dear beloved Simon. I am surprised to learn of this. I once said that you were my favourite hockey player. Not just on this team. But on any team. I have always admired and respected and loved you.
Of all of the words that have come out of your mouth, of all of the animated shit talk I've listened to you mutter by the press corner, or grumble in the penalty box....why? Why would you risk so much to say something so profoundly ignorant and hurtful to Chaz Johnson? Why would you risk suspension? Why would you risk your teammates? Why would you risk our chances at the playoffs? Why would you alienate your fans?
I don't know and can't know if Chaz meant the hit on Matt Sorteberg to generate the damage it did. Chaz is a physical player, Matt really was in a bad position, this is hockey, and the ref called it clean at the time. Nevertheless, I did see the hit, I did see the damage and I was shaken by what happened to Matt. But even so I'm also shaken that you would say what it has been reported you said.
I understand you called him to apologize. Good. That was an important gesture and it couldn't have been easy. But you don't just owe him one. You owe it to some of us too because when you sink that low, verbally, with all of its serious, angry, and cruel connotations you do not represent all of us. You are the Captain. It's not that I thought you were perfect. You're not, I'm not. We can and will and have made mistakes. I knew of many of your faults...you've always worn so much of yourself on your sleeve, both the good and the bad, and I've loved you anyway, but there are some things that make this particular fan cry. I cried over what happened to Matt and I cried over this (and if you want to add what happened to Max Pacioretty of the Canadiens, we can add that too). I'm not giving up on you, but I am sorry to learn of it.
And with that out of the way, we move on, and continue to wish Matt a complete recovery and return to the ice.
