Wexford Hurler Pisses Off Canadians With Comments About Their Drinking

If Lee Chin wanted to make his mark on Canadian ice hockey, it looks like his job is done.

The Wexford hurler has spent some time in the country recently, training with the Vacncouver Canucks as part of RTE sports-swap show, The Toughest Trade.

Lee made some comments about drinking culture in the sport as he observed some players drinking 24 hours before a match. His comments that a player can “basically go out and ruin himself for the night, then come back the next day, with the attitude of you just don’t care," appear to have irked some of those involved.

In fact, Canucks president Linden has taken to releasing a statement whereby he scoffs at Chin's claims about the drinking culture within his team:

“We were disappointed to learn of the comments made in an Irish Times article about his experience. The assumptions made by Lee Chin on hockey culture and reported by The Irish Times are baseless and categorically false. They do not reflect our players, their conduct or the culture of our game in any way.”

Chin himself has responded by clarifying his comments through his PR company and the player has expressed his regret that the comments have been the focus of media attention:

“Lee is very disappointed that these comments have been the focus of media commentary. At no time did Lee seek to call into question the professionalism of the Vancouver Canucks, its staff, management and players which he found to be exemplary.

“Lee thoroughly enjoyed his time with the team in Vancouver and found it to be an exceptionally professional environment.

“Lee believes that the time spent with the Vancouver Canucks will have a hugely positive impact on his future sporting career.”

So it seems this minor international incedent has passed. We're big fans of the Canadians here so hopefully we can all still go for a heap of pints together in the future.