Tampa Bay Lightning forward Pat Maroon is turning an uncomfortable situation into a positive one.
During the Lightning's 3-1 loss to the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Tuesday night, NESN play-by-play announcer Jack Edwards joked about Maroon's weight, while also saying "inadvertent fasting for Pat Maroon is like going four hours without a meal". Edwards made a pizza joke, too.
Maroon's response to Edwards' remarks was to donate $2,000 to charity to help people struggling with mental health, bullying and body image.
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The Carolina Hurricanes joined in with a donation and asked fans to do the same:
Edwards' comments drew quite a reaction from the hockey community in the moment and into Wednesday.
TSN insider Darren Dreger tweeted, "There’s no reason for any broadcaster or journalist to do this. It’s embarrassing."
Boston Bruins
Bleacher Report's Sara Civian had one of the best reactions.
"Regardless of if the comments bother Pat or not, they just aren't funny," she tweeted Wednesday. "You never know who is out there struggling and just didn't need to hear that. No it's not the most serious or awful thing ever said, but it just wasn't cool. Maroon taking an opportunity to help is amazing."
The Bruins and Lightning do not play again until Jan. 26 in Tampa Bay.