Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Phil Kessel ripped Team USA on social media Tuesday, Sept. 20, after the U.S. lost to Canada and was eliminated from the World Cup of Hockey.
Kessel, who was a member of Team USA for the 2010 and 2014 Olympics, was not selected to the World Cup roster and wasn’t picked again in May when seven more players were added.
Team USA lost 4-2 to Team Canada Tuesday night and Kessel reacted to the loss on Twitter by tweeting, "Just sitting around the house tonight w my dog. Felt like I should be doing something important, but couldn't put my finger on it."
Some of the players on Team USA weren't pleased with Kessel’s comments.
David Backes said that the remarks were a little distasteful and aggravating and Derek Stepan said that he hopes Kessel wasn’t attacking or disrespecting anyone. On Wednesday, Kessel clarified that his comments were not directed at any player.
"Of course it wasn't directed at the players," Kessel told ESPN. "I know how tough it is to play the game. It wasn't directed at anyone."
Kessel had 26 goals, 33 assists and 59 points last season and 10 goals, 12 assists and 22 points in the playoffs as he helped the Penguins win the Stanley Cup.
Kessel’s tweet also got a lot of attention from hockey fans and they reacted to it on Twitter.