The Los Angeles Kings say they're sorry.
One day after opening a series against Vancouver with a 4-2 win, the NHL team found itself backtracking from a playful jab made on Twitter. In the wake of the victory, the team's official account posted a message saying: "To everyone in Canada outside of BC, you're welcome."
That didn't sit well with senior members of the organization, especially after all of the attention it generated.
"We encourage our digital team to be creative, interactive and to apply a sense of humour whenever possible," said Mike Altieri, the Kings vice-president of communications and broadcasting. "To anyone who found it offensive we sincerely apologize."
The Canucks have drawn criticism during a successful couple seasons that has seen them capture the Presidents' Trophy in back-to-back years and fall one game short of the Stanley Cup in 2011.
In October, CBC commentator Don Cherry added to the chorus by saying Vancouver was disliked because the players whine at officials.
The team is considered a strong Stanley Cup contender yet again and entered the series with Los Angeles as a heavy favourite.
Game 2 goes Friday night at Rogers Arena.
