Canadiens' sponsors reportedly appeased by Molson's apology for drafting Mailloux

It appears the Montreal Canadiens have dodged a financial bullet. Facing mounting criticism from sponsors over the controversial drafting of Logan Mailloux, owner/President Geoff Molson released a statement Wednesday apologizing for the move. He also stated that Mailloux would not be participating in the team's upcoming rookie camp or training camp in September. The apology appears to have worked as at least two advertisers who said they were rethinking the money they spend with the Canadiens are back on board.

"Rotisserie chicken company Groupe St-Hubert and financial services firm Desjardins Group said today they are maintaining their relationship with the team after publicly questioning the Habs' decision to draft 18-year-old Logan Mailloux," said The Canadian Press in an article printed in the Globe & Mail.

"Groupe St-Hubert said in a statement the company is confident the Canadiens organization will take action to raise awareness about sexual misconduct."

"Desjardins said in a statement it is satisfied with the sincerity of Molson's apology."


"I understand that you expect more from us and we let you down," said Molson in his apology. "The Montreal Canadiens are more than a hockey team. Logan's actions do not reflect the values of our organization and I apologize for the pain this selection has caused.

"First and foremost, regarding the young woman who is the victim, I want to say that we do not minimize what she has had to, and continues to have to, live through. No one, especially not an 18-year-old, should have to suffer through a traumatic experience like this. We are there to support her and her family and respect their privacy."

You can read Molson's apology in full here.

Mailloux was charged and convicted of sharing an intimate photo of an 18-year-old woman while on loan from the OHL to a league in Sweden last November. He paid a fine, part of which went to the victim in the incident. He had asked teams not to draft him, stating he knew he needed more time to mature. Montreal drafted the defenceman 31st overall anyway.

Source: Globe and Mail