It was a non-hockey issue that prompted Ottawa Senators head coach DJ Smith to drop Quebec’s Mathieu Joseph Wednesday night.
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The striker was fined and said on Thursday he accepts the consequences.
Not only has the 25-year-old been on the sidelines since December 8 through injury, but he’s also missing the first game of his career against his brother Pierre-Oliver of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The “Sens” still won 5:4 in overtime.
“It was an internal thing. I made a mistake, Joseph confided in a press crowd. I was ready to face the consequences. It’s my fault, it’s my responsibility. I know I can and will be better.”
“I’m grown up. I can handle that.”
Neither the player nor his coach gave any further information on the situation.
“What I’m going to say about this file – which has gotten a little bit massive – was a non-hockey issue. He was left out once and we now welcome him with open arms,” Smith said after staying silent the night before.
The Laval resident has two goals and seven assists for nine points in 25 games this season. Joseph is in his first full season with the Senators, but not being able to fight with his teammates has already affected him.
“It was pretty brutal to be left out like that, to see the guys fighting every night and not being able to help them. I’m a passionate guy and I love what I do. I’m really looking forward to going back there with the boys,” he said.
The Penguins meet the Senators again on Friday in Pittsburgh.