Ovechkin 'Sorry' About Hit, But Disappointed With Suspension

by Yuliya Talmazan | March 16, 2010 at 10:40 am

289 views | 0 Recommendations | 0 comments

Ovechkin Apologizes For Tackle On Campbell

An apologetic statement from Alexander Ovechkin was released on Washington Capitals website yesterday. Speaking about his hit on Blackhawks' Brian Campbell, Ovechkin said he was sorry that Campbell got injured, but was still disappointed in NHL's decision to suspend him.

Alex Ovechkin Hit on Brian Campbell Video: Two-Game Suspension

Ovechkin says he did not intend to injure Campbell, but NHL hockey is a "physical game."

Every time I have the honor to play for my team, I will continue to do what I have done since I was taught to play. I will play hard, play with passion and play with respect for my teammates, opponents and fans. I look forward to returning to my team and doing everything I can to be the best player I can be.”

Capitals captain was suspended for two games without pay for his hit on Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brian Campbell on March 14. Campbell got injured, and Ovechkin was given a penalty for boarding.

Ovechkin's semi-apologetic statement came as a surprise to hockey experts. First of all, it is not common to apologize in the wake of suspensions in the NHL. Second of all, it came from Ovechkin, a player who many believe plays "recklessly" and "on the edge." What is more, Ovechkin works without an agent. Ovechkin's mother Tatyana is his principal managerial support, which makes it all the more impressive for Ovechkin to have come up with the idea of a public apology.

It is not clear if the management of Washington Capitols might have pressed Ovechkin to apologize. But, the Vice President of Washinton Capitals George McPhee said the team had "no problem with the way [Ovechkin] tried to finish his check." He says the team is sorry about Campbell's injury, but does not agree with Ovechkin's suspension.