The Montreal Canadiens say they have accepted the criticism thrown at them after a London Knights player fined for a sex charge was drafted by the team.
In a statement issued by the NHL club Wednesday, Canadiens Owner, President, and CEO Geoff Molson apologized to fans upset by the team's drafting of Logan Mailloux with the 31st overall pick in last week's NHL Entry Draft.The team faced harsh backlash from fans since Mailloux admitted to photographing a consensual sex act with a young woman, without her knowledge or consent, while playing for a club in Sweden last year. Mailloux was fined but not charged with a crime, and under Swedish law, the matter is resolved.
Mailloux had asked teams not to draft him, but the Canadiens took him with their top draft pick."This decision, made in the context of the draft, turned out to be instantaneously very offensive to many of you," wrote Molson. "I understand that you expect more from us, and we let you down. The Montreal Canadiens are more than a hockey team. Logan's actions do not reflect the values of our organization, and I apologize for the pain this selection has caused."
The Habs added that while they will do everything they can to help Mailloux with his personal development, the team will not invite Mailloux to rookie or training camp when it opens in September, meaning he will likely play the season with the Knights.
"Being a player in the NHL is a privilege that is earned, not a right that is granted," wrote Molson. "As the year progresses, we will reassess Logan's readiness to be part of our organization."
Molson added that the team's selection of Mailloux was in no way an affront to victims of sexual abuse or their families, and the NHL has zero tolerance for domestic or sexual violence in any form.
"Logan is a young man who committed a serious transgression," wrote Molson. "He is genuinely remorseful about the pain he has caused. He is committed to becoming a better person, and we will work with him through this process. At this stage, it is only our actions that will speak louder than our words."
Molson announced that the Canadiens will develop a plan to raise awareness for young men and women about consent, to be developed with local and provincial experts.
The Knights have also expressed a desire to work with Mailloux to help him understand the seriousness of his actions and access any support he needs.
---with files from Craig Needles and Natalia Vega
