Suspended Cooke apologizes for kneeing Barrie, says his intent was not to injure

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Cooke has apologized for the knee-to-knee hit on Colorado Avalanche defenceman Tyson Barrie.

Cooke drew a seven-game suspension from the NHL for the hit that knocked Barrie out of action for 4-6 weeks.

Cooke addressed reporters Thursday after taking part in the Wild’s pre-game skate prior to Game 4. He did not take questions, standing behind a podium, staring somberly straight ahead and speaking deliberately for about 90 seconds.

Cooke said he did not intend to injure Barrie, a collision on the open ice Cooke said was a case of him playing his physical style and focused only on finishing his check.

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