After Sunday’s game, Detroit Red Wings’ player Joe Veleno accidentally encountered Bowen Byram and expressed regret for landing multiple punches to the back of Byram’s head during their altercation.
The scuffle arose after Veleno, experiencing a hard hit from behind by the Buffalo defenseman in the first period, engaged in his first NHL fight during the Red Wings’ 3-1 triumph.
Byram, who had faced three concussions leading to significant absences in his initial NHL seasons with Colorado, was on the receiving end of Veleno’s punches.
Reflecting on the incident, Veleno admitted, “I honestly didn’t even think about it until after the game when I saw him.” He apologized to Byram, stating, “I’m sorry for giving you a couple of those punches in the back of the head a little bit.” Veleno also acknowledged their friendship, having previously played together on Canada’s 2020 World Junior team, emphasizing his reluctance to cause harm. He maintained that while hockey is competitive, players should adhere to fair play.
Veleno believed Byram’s hit was unfair, despite the lack of a penalty. “I didn’t really like the hit, especially that there was no power play,” he remarked, indicating that the absence of a penalty call prompted his reaction. However, he noted that had there been a penalty, the situation might have unfolded differently, considering the strategic importance of special teams in crucial games.
Describing the prelude to the fight, Veleno explained, “I looked up, there was no arm in the air (from a referee) and then kind of went up to him and asked if he wanted to go.” Initially, Byram hesitated, but eventually, they engaged in the altercation. Despite the on-ice confrontation, they reconciled after the game, affirming that “it’s all OK.”
Veleno took exception to a hit from Byram, leading to a good long fight. It’s the first in Veleno’s NHL career. pic.twitter.com/vwdd8u1zkV
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) April 7, 2024
Veleno acknowledged receiving various reactions to the fight, with some expressing surprise at his decision to engage in it. He attributed his actions to the intensity of the moment and how he responded in the heat of competition.
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