Shane Pinto Returns to the Ice After Suspension, Reflects on Lessons Learned
Excitement Returns to Ottawa as Shane Pinto Hits the Ice
Friday practices in January are typically uneventful, but for Shane Pinto of the Ottawa Senators, it was a momentous occasion. After serving one of the longest suspensions in NHL history, Pinto was finally allowed to rejoin his teammates on the ice. Pinto expressed his joy, stating, “I don’t want to get too emotional, but it’s awesome. It’s been a long road for me.”
A Road Filled with Unexpected Twists and Turns
Pinto’s journey has been filled with unexpected obstacles. It began as a contract dispute between the player and the team but took a dramatic turn when the NHL revealed that Pinto was under investigation for gambling-related activities. The league subsequently handed him a 41-game suspension, which devastated Pinto. He expressed his love for the game and the pain of having it taken away from him for such a long period.
Lessons Learned and Accountability
Pinto reflected on the biggest lesson he learned throughout this process, stating, “Life can change in an instant.” While he did not provide specific details about his infraction, he took full responsibility for his actions and acknowledged that he needs to be more cautious and mature in the future. Pinto also declined to blame the prevalence of gambling-related advertisements in hockey for his misstep.
Support and Return to the Ice
Pinto expressed his gratitude for the support he received from his family, teammates, and the Senators organization. He spent the majority of his suspension at his family home in Long Island but has now returned to Ottawa to rejoin his team. Pinto is targeting a return to the lineup next weekend and is confident in his physical and mental readiness.
Looking Ahead
As Pinto prepares to rejoin the struggling Senators, he acknowledges that his absence may have contributed to the team’s struggles. However, he is determined to bring a positive vibe and help turn things around. Pinto’s return also requires a new contract, but after the support he has received, negotiations are expected to go smoothly.
Overall, Pinto’s suspension has been a challenging experience, but he has emerged stronger and more mature. He is eager to put this ordeal behind him and focus on what he loves most: hockey.
(Photo: China Wong / NHLI via Getty Images)