Senators respond to video of team bashing assistant coach

The seven members of the Ottawa Senators who were seen criticizing the team's coaching staff in a leaked video responded to the incident Monday.

Forwards Matt Duchene, Alex Formenton, Chris Tierney, and Colin White, plus defensemen Thomas Chabot, Dylan DeMelo, and Chris Wideman issued the following statement:

"We want to apologize publicly to Marty Raymond, our teammates, and coaches for our comments in Phoenix, Ariz. on Oct. 29," the players said, according to TSN. "Our private conversation was recorded without our knowledge or consent. We're passionate about our team, and focusing on growing together. We are grateful for the support of our fans and organization. This is an important learning experience, and we will do better."

Senators head coach Guy Boucher also issued a statement, coming to the defense of his coaching staff and noting that the incident is now considered an internal matter.

"Nothing is more important to us during this rebuild than making sure our players and coaches are fully committed to our plan, our values and our system of play," Boucher said, according to TSN. "We have every confidence in Marty Raymond's coaching; in the effort and determination of our team; and in the sincerity of our players' apology. We are now treating this as a team matter, and will be making no further comment to the media."