A few members of the San Jose Sharks drew the ire of Winnipeg hockey fans earlier this month when they singled out Manitoba’s capital as their least favourite city to play hockey in.
Now, they’d like to take those words back.
The topic initially came up as part of a promotional video for NBC Sports California ahead of a matchup between the two clubs, with defenceman Justin Braun saying the “Internet doesn’t work ever. I don’t know if they have Wi-Fi there yet.”
Tomas Hertl said “it’s so cold and dark there. I don’t like it there.”
The comments were not taken lightly, prompting a response from Winnipeg’s mayor as well as Jets head coach Paul Maurice in defence of Manitoba’s capital.
Now as the Jets land in sunny San Jose for a rematch, the topic (naturally) resurfaced between the budding rivals. Braun and Hertl took the opportunity to clarify their remarks, expressing some remorse for how their comments came out and insisting it was just a joke.
Jets captain Blake Wheeler made sure to get his own subtle jab in there as well.
And, of course, the Sharks had a little bit of fun with the whole thing, too:
Can’t wait to welcome the @NHLJets to sunny San Jose this morning!
Pay no attention to those clouds looming on the horizon. pic.twitter.com/Ioddq63ovW
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) January 23, 2018
They’ll settle the score on the ice when the puck drops at 10:30 p.m. ET Tuesday night.
[relatedlinks]