The New York Rangers found themselves surrounded by controversy earlier this week, as the Blueshirts’ Captain Jacob Trouba was handed the league-maximum fine for high-sticking Boston forward Trent Frederic.
Fans around the league were divided on the decision to administer a fine rather than a suspension. Players in the past have been suspended for similar plays, but Trouba walked away with only a small bill to pay.
Now, a few days following the incident, Trouba has explained his perspective of what transpired on the ice.
Jacob Trouba confirms his high-stick on Frederic was “100 percent accidental”
Trouba is quite familiar with controversy in the NHL. Most of his big hit plays are clean, but some have been rather questionable throughout the years. As soon as he landed the high stick on Frederic, it was obvious that Trouba would be asked to explain himself.
Trouba would go on to explain that the incident was 100 percent accidental and somewhat apologized for his reckless play:
“I mean it was obviously 100 percent accidental, at the time I was kind of shocked that it happened, I think Frederic was a little surprised too. He was like, ‘Actually that just happened?’ And I was like, ‘Sorry, my bad.’”
Jacob Trouba via Larry Brooks
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The Rangers captain is taking accountability for his actions
Although the high-stick incident was unintentional, it was a completely avoidable dangerous action by Trouba. As a player, let alone the Rangers’ Captain, Trouba needs to be less reckless when on the ice.
Trouba is aware of this fact, as he’s taken full accountability for his play against Frederic. Per Larry Brooks, Trouba admitted that he needs better control of his posture and his stick, and agrees that he deserved the fine he was given.
Trouba has shown true leadership in his handling of this situation. Rangers fans should be thankful their Captain has not been suspended and should look forward to more entertaining yet more careful play from one of the Blueshirts’ best defenders. The Captain has 34 blocked shots over his last 10 games, 27 hits in the same span, and should carry similar numbers moving forward.
