(Washington) Bo Horvat attempted Monday to clarify his comments made over the weekend following the New York Islanders’ win that angered many hockey fans in Vancouver.

Following the Islanders’ home win over the Philadelphia Flyers, Horvat was asked about the atmosphere and energy in the arena on Saturday: “It’s amazing! It’s much better than Vancouver, I can tell you that.”

That comment didn’t go unnoticed after Horvat played nearly nine seasons with the Canucks and served as their captain before being traded to the Islanders in late January. Horvat said Monday that he didn’t expect that kind of reaction, and added that the comments were made “in the heat of the moment.”

“I meant no disrespect to the Canucks fans, my former teammates or even the city of Vancouver,” Horvat said after the Islanders’ morning practice before their game against the Washington Capitals. I was not aiming at them directly. The Islanders fans were elated, and I was excited to find myself in a playoff run, and it was just one of those times when my emotions took over, because I was just happy to find myself in this situation. »

The Canucks only made the playoffs twice during Horvat’s time with them: they were eliminated in the first round in his rookie season in 2014-15 and in 2020, when the playoff format included 24 clubs. The Islanders acquired Horvat in hopes of returning to the playoffs after missing the Spring Classic last year, and he has 15 points in 28 games since arriving on Long Island.

The 28-year-old from London, Ont., apologized for his remarks and added that his comments “probably shocked a lot of people.”