NHL Broadcaster Ron MacLean Apologizes for Controversial Joke Before Game 6

In a moment that overshadowed the excitement of Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, NHL broadcaster Ron MacLean found himself in hot water after making an ill-timed joke about roofies. The comment came during a skit aired by Sportsnet, inspired by the movie “The Hangover,” which featured Phil Pritchard, the Keeper of the Cup, asleep on a couch next to the coveted trophy.

Following the skit, MacLean remarked, “The roofies, they’ll get you every time,” a comment that quickly drew backlash for its inappropriate implications. Recognizing the gravity of his words, MacLean later addressed the situation during the coverage of the game, offering an apology and clarifying his intentions.

He explained, “I referenced a scene in the movie in which the tiger is put to sleep, Mike Tyson’s tiger. The Keepers of the Cup, of course, are asleep in the skit and I used the term, the slang term for the drug which has far more serious connotations in reality. I should have made that connection. I did not.” MacLean expressed his regret, saying, “I know I triggered some people, I know I offended some people with that remark, and I feel very bad for that, and I want to thank you for bringing it to my attention, to our attention. Very sorry.”

This is not the first time MacLean has faced controversy. He previously received criticism for his silence during comments made by his former Coach’s Corner co-host, Don Cherry, regarding Canadian immigrants and their perceived lack of respect for veterans. Following that incident, MacLean also issued an apology.

Amidst the controversy, the Hurricanes took to the ice and secured a dominant 3-0 victory against the Golden Knights, clinching their first Stanley Cup since 2006.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.