The Montreal Canadiens coach and a few Carey Price teammates reacted to the controversy that arose from a post made by the goaltender on Saturday.
For his part, Price reiterated his views on gun control Monday in a Twitter post.
“These are my personal beliefs. The only reason I brought this up is because it’s hot right now, it wasn’t to disrespect anyone.
“I don’t agree with the use of the promo code either.
“I continue to show my support for hunters and sportsmen who act legally and safely. ”
My views are my own and I do believe in them.
The only reason I bring up this issue is because it is what’s being brought up now and not out of disrespect to anyone.
No, I did not agree with the promotional code either.
— Carey Price (@CP0031)
December 5, 2022
I continue to stand beside my fellow hunters and sport shooters who have legally acquired our property and use in a safe manner.
— Carey Price (@CP0031)
December 5, 2022
In his initial publication, Price sports a hunting outfit with a weapon in his hands, Price wanted to denounce Bill C-21 aimed at tightening the criteria surrounding the circulation of certain assault weapons, namely the importation, sale and resale.
“I love my family, I love my country and I care about my neighbour. I am not a criminal or a threat to society. That @justinpjtrudeau trying to do is unfair. I support the @ccfr_ccdaf in order to keep my hunting tools. Thank you for hearing my opinion,” wrote Price, a lifelong hunting enthusiast, speaking just days before the 33rd anniversary of the December 6, 1989, Polytechnique massacre. life to 14 women.
In that post, Price also mentioned (“tagged”) the Canadian Coalition for Gun Rights. The CCFR, in English, has itself recently caused controversy by introducing a promotional code Poly to promote the purchase of goods on its website.
The post is still on Instagram, but Price has since removed the tags.
The president of Groupe CH France-Margaret Bélanger addressed the situation earlier in the day, citing that Price was “not aware” of the existence of the massacre and was therefore unaware that this sad anniversary was approaching.
“When we saw his publication, we brought to his attention the reactions on this subject, wrote Ms. Bélanger.
“He was unaware of the tragic events of December 6, 1989 or of the coalition’s recent marketing initiatives,” she added.
The Habs organization finally issued an official publication during the evening.
Statement from the Montreal Canadiens pic.twitter.com/IoeEjoXjrc
— Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL)
December 6, 2022
St. Louis defends Price
Martin St-Louis came to the player’s defense, convinced that he had no bad intentions.
“I don’t think Carey is aware of the whole story that happened. People outside Quebec, I’m not sure they know all that. Carey is a sensitive guy, a family guy, I don’t think he had any malicious intent in doing that,” St-Louis said.
St-Louis also remembers that at the time of the events, when he was 14, he was a boarder at Notre-Dame College, not far from the Polytechnique.
“It sounded pretty good to me,” says the coach.
Players also came to the defense of their teammate, including defender Joel Edmundson.
“We all know Carey. We know what kind of guy he is. He has always loved hunting, it is one of his passions. I believe that his publication simply meant that he wants to be able to hunt and that he is entitled to it. It’s unfortunate how people perceived her, because we all know that Carey is a kind hearted guy who is caring. I don’t think he meant to cause a commotion or embarrass anyone. He only had good intentions. I totally support him in that. ”
Cole Caufield said, “Carey is a good person. I don’t know how to explain [la publication]. He would never have meant to hurt. ”
Several of his former and current teammates had liked his post on Instagram.
Given that Price has been with the Canadiens since the year of his draft in 2005, a journalist also raised the importance for an athlete to be aware of the history of his adopted community.
