Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe on the bench
Photo credit: Toronto Sun

Sheldon Keefe Breaks Silence On What Happened The Night Of His Ejection

Published February 29, 2024 at 2:30 PM
BY SAMER
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The NHL has fined Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe following his game misconduct during Tuesday night's game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

According to an NHL release, Keefe has been fined $25,000 for "unprofessional conduct directed at the officials resulting in a game misconduct."


Sheldon Keefe Breaks Silence In Regards To His Ejection




Keefe received the game misconduct with less than three minutes remaining in the game after he continued to discuss a penalty called a few minutes earlier, where Mitch Marner was penalized for tripping Chandler Stephenson.



Keefe expressed frustration with the call, as upon review, it seemed that although Marner's stick made contact with Stephenson's knee, the player appeared to fall on his own.


After the game, Keefe declined to comment on his exchange with the referees, stating, "Not going there."

Ahead of Thursday night's game against the Arizona Coyotes, Keefe was asked about his approach when speaking to referees and balancing it with supporting his team.

"All I'll say is, there is a fine line between being the voice for the players, at different times, to try to be the voice so that they don't have to be, they can focus on playing," Keefe said.

"My job as a coach is to really make sure I'm focused on the next moment and what comes next. I don't feel like I lost control or anything like that the other night. But I'm not focused on the right thing."


This isn't the first time Keefe has been fined by the NHL for his interactions with officials. On December 28, 2022, he was fined $25,000 for "demeaning conduct directed at the officials" during a game against the St. Louis Blues the previous night.

Keefe admitted on Thursday morning that he needs to improve in this area and is committed to doing so.

"My job is to be focused on the right thing, the player's job is to be focused on the right things. I'll be better in that area. It's a chance for me to reflect and grow from it."


The Maple Leafs get set to face the Arizona Coyotes tonight and all eyes will be on Sheldon Keefe especially if things don't go his way.

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Sheldon Keefe Breaks Silence On What Happened The Night Of His Ejection

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