TAMMERFORS. Michael Esimont called Rasmus Sanden to apologize for his lavatory injury.
The 26-year-old NHL player was able to return to the tournament after being suspended for one match for an unsightly tackle.
– It’s disgusting, I’d hate for the person to be the cause, he tells Sportbladet.
At the start of the final group match against Tre Kronor, striker Michael Esimont made a late knee tackle on defender Rasmus Sanden.
The Swedish star of the Washington Capitals walked out in the locker room and could not play more at the World Cup.
Michael Esimont conceded a penalty in the match and was suspended in the quarter-final against the Czech Republic.
– I wanted to call him, talk to him and apologize, we had a good conversation. It was nice to hear he didn’t seem as serious as he first appeared. I understand the history he had with injuries. I wish him all the best and that he qualify quickly. He’s clearly a great player and I hope to see him on the ice again soon,” says Michael Esimont.
“It was full of adrenaline.”
He feels remorse and would like to explain why he blamed the accident.
I hate to see someone get hurt and I hate to be the one who causes it. The situation in the match is part of the game of hockey. I have never tried to hurt anyone in my career. I’m not messing around on the ice, I’m not trying to get stuck. Michael Esimont says I’m trying not to be stupid.
What do you say about the actual tackle that got you a match penalty and a one-match ban?
– There were two substitutions in the match and I tried to play hard and check hard. There was a lot of adrenaline and I got caught up in the situation when I was going to stop him at the edge. It sucks, says Michael Esimont.
“It’s hard to understand the logic.”
In the semi-finals he came back and scored one of the goals as Germany won 4-3 after extra time.
– He came back very early if you ask me. I find it difficult to understand the logic that there was only a one-match suspension, says SVT expert Jonas Andersson.
Michael Esimont also played the bronze medal game against Latvia on Sunday afternoon.
On a daily basis, he plays for the Tampa Bay Lightning, but during the season he also played for the San Jose Sharks and Winnipeg Jets.
Rasmus Sanden did not speak to the media after the injury, but Tre Kronor reported his injury “day to day”.
He tested in training before the quarter-final against Latvia but it was canceled due to pain.
