Two weeks after making critical remarks regarding NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr, Washington Capitals defenceman Roman Hamrlik clarified some of his statements on Monday re-affirming his support for the players.
"Maybe some people they took it too personal," said Hamrlik, who just returned from his native Czech Republic last week. "It's nothing against Don [Fehr] or some other people and the NHLPA. I'm behind them and I always was and I always will be.
"Everybody has different opinions and I think we should have started talking a bit earlier, that was my biggest point."
While staying in the Czech Republic, Hamrlik raised a lot of eyebrows after speaking out about his displeasure with how the lockout was being handled.
"I am disgusted," he told Daily Sport just over two weeks ago. "We have to push Fehr to the wall to get the deal. Time is against us. We lost [one-quarter] of the season, it is $425 million. Who will give it back to us? Mr. Fehr?"
Hamrlik's comments drew criticism from other players, but the veteran defenceman didn't back down.
"I've been in the league for 20 years and faced three lockouts," Hamrlik later told TSN's That's Hockey. "There's only 14 other players in the league that are facing their third career lockout. I believe I've earned the right to say what I think."
On Monday, Hamrlik had softened his stance but remained focused on finding a resolution that would get the players back on the ice.
"I talked to some players back home, some guys disagree and some guys agree with me," he said. "We are in the same situation, we are in the same boat, everybody is together and I'm 100 percent behind the players.
"When you look back it's not about what I said, or what he said, or what they said. It's all about making a solution quickly and hopefully bringing a good solution to the table and start playing."
Hamrlik added that he's tried to reach Fehr, but was unable to speak to him directly and believes he will speak to him soon.
"This week is going to be crucial I think and it's going to be interesting," he said.
