Vancouver Canucks defenseman Shane O'Brien has missed the last three games for arriving late to a practice earlier this week, and allegedly was seen at a local bar the previous night. The 26-year-old spoke to the media on Sunday about his actions.
From TSN: "I made a mistake, I'm human and things happen and obviously being a professional it's no excuse," O'Brien said. "It's a privilege to play in the NHL and an honour. I made a mistake and I learned from it. I did my time and I'm looking forward to moving forward and helping this team whenever I get back in the lineup."
O'Brien won't suit up today against the Minnesota Wild but has begun practicing alongside the club again, and eagerly awaits his return to the line-up. He believed that he did wrong by his teammates with this situation as well.
"Obviously this time of year, I know how hard we've been fighting all year to put ourselves in the position that were in," said O'Brien. "For a distraction like this to come above winning hockey games and getting ready for the playoffs, I owe them a big apology."
While O'Brien has taken a step in the right direction with his statements, all he can do now is wait and hope that head coach Alain Vigneault is prepared to consider it water under the bridge.