Dustin Byfuglien throws Evander Kane’s tracksuit in the shower

Jan 13, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Evander Kane (9) plays with the puck prior to the game against the Florida Panthers at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Evander Kane (9) plays with the puck prior to the game against the Florida Panthers at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports /
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After Evander Kane showed up to a midday team meeting in a tracksuit rather than a suit, his teammate, defenseman Dustin Byfuglien, responded.


It’s common hockey etiquette, players are required to wear suits upon arrival and departure to and from games, as well as all team meetings.

Apparently, Winnipeg Jets left wing Evander Kane felt that he didn’t have to follow this custom when he showed up to a midday team meeting prior to their matchup against the Vancouver Canucks on Monday wearing a tracksuit.

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Following the incident, teammate Dustin Byfuglien responded to the disrespect by tossing Kane’s tracksuit into the showers. It’s understandable why Kane would be ticked off by this, but Byfuglien, nonetheless, made his message very clear.

Come game time, Kane was nowhere to be found, and wasn’t responding to any phone calls just an hour before the match was scheduled to begin. When coaches were finally able to reach him, he stated that he would not be playing that night against the Canucks.

The Jets have not given a direct reason as to why Kane failed to show up for that nights game, but the Winnipeg Free Press reported that he was scratched from that nights lineup due to a dress code violation.

Kane is a key player for Winnipeg with 10 goals and 12 assists so far this season. Although his absence may have contributed to the 5-2 loss that night against the Canucks, his lack of accountability and straight forward display of disrespect that day would not be tolerated by the coaches or the team itself.

Jan 18, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Evander Kane (9) prior to the game against the Arizona Coyotes at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Evander Kane (9) prior to the game against the Arizona Coyotes at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports /

Due to the fact that Kane has been battling an injury for a majority of the season, coaches have reported that his absence during Thursday’s practice was medical related, and had nothing to do with the events that took place Monday.

The Jets are set to host the Chicago Blackhawks this Friday, as the ‘Hawks continue their six game road trip.

H/T: CBC Sports

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