Shane Pinto, Ottawa Senators’ forward, who has returned to play after serving a 41-game suspension, believes things will be coming together this year for the team and himself.
Ottawa’s Senators have not made the playoffs since 2017 after losing in the Eastern Conference final. However, Pinto remains optimistic and believes things are going to turn around. Looking ahead, Pinto said “There’s enough excuses.” Adding, “The fans are sick of it like we are. It’s time for us to become men this year, there is enough talking about it.”
Representing his team at last week’s North American player media tour, he said, “There’s been a lot of distractions for us obviously, but I think this year, this is the first year leading up to training camp where there’s no real annoyances or new ownership.”
“I think now we are steady. We have stability now. We have a new coach. I think we brought in the right pieces with what Steve (Staios) brought in, and I do have a good feeling about this year. I really do.”
Violation of NHL gambling policy
Pinto faced a 41 games suspension earlier this season for violating National Hockey League’s (NHL) gambling policy. No details had been released regarding what he had done. The investigation found no evidence that he bet on NHL games.
He confirmed on a recent podcast that he was flagged for proxy betting by one of NHL’s industry partners. “I just didn’t know better,” Pinto said.
Pinto said his friends in the United States had placed bets on his behalf while he was in Canada. Proxy betting is when someone is authorised to place bets on behalf of another, and is generally illegal.
“I had to mature a lot,” Pinto said. He believes the suspension was a “blessing in disguise.”
Pinto post suspension
Shane Pinto expressed that his time away from hockey taught him a lot about how much he loves the game and how integral it is to his life. He reflected on how the experience helped build his character, noting that during the three months away from the team, he relied on his family for support but had to stay motivated on his own. He added that the time away was a personal test, and he proved a lot to himself in the process.
Pinto returned to the ice in January and recorded 27 points (nine goals, 18 assists) in 41 games last season.
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