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SAN JOSE — Off-the-cuff comments by Sharks players about the city of Winnipeg that were recently made public have created some hurt feelings north of the border and possibly some friction between the Sharks organization and its broadcast partner, NBC Sports California.

In a since-deleted Jan. 7 tweet on a Sharks-dedicated account belonging to NBC Sports California, Sharks players Tomas Hertl, Justin Braun and Tim Heed all mentioned Winnipeg when they were asked by someone from the network what city was the worst in the NHL to play in.

Hertl said, “I think it’s Winnipeg cause every time it’s so cold and dark there. I don’t like there.” Braun said, “Winnipeg. Dark. Cold. Hotel is a little questionable. Internet doesn’t work ever. I don’t know if they have Wi-Fi there yet.”

The comments made national news in Canada, with prominent politicians offering sharp rebukes.

Winnipeg mayor Brian Bowman told the Canadian Press that his city “is a cold dark place — when you lose.” Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister said the tongue-in-cheek comments were “childish and immature.”

Clarity for our friends from @SanJoseSharks & @NBCSSharks, this is how wifi works in #Winnipeg. Friendly banter aside, you're always welcome in our City. #gojetsgo pic.twitter.com/F7qddjK6nt — Mayor Brian Bowman (@Mayor_Bowman) January 9, 2018

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The comments were made in September at the team’s annual media day, prior to the start of training camp. They also appeared on the network’s Sunday broadcast of the game between the Sharks and the Jets in Winnipeg.

“It’s disappointing that our broadcast partner would put our players in that position. First of all, by even asking that question, then putting it on our broadcast,” Sharks general manager Doug Wilson told this newspaper on Tuesday. “That was a question that was one of 30 that were asked earlier in the year. To me, it was an inappropriate question that should not have been asked. Whether it was an attempt at humor, it was not appropriate.” Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news, commentary and conversation.

Asked Tuesday about the comments from the Sharks players, Jets coach Paul Maurice had a simple message: Quit whining.

“I didn’t read it, so it’s dangerous to comment on it,” Maurice said when asked about the Sharks’ comments. “I hear it’s cold and dark. That happens in Canada occasionally. Pretty regularly every winter. It’s dark at night. Yeah, that happens pretty much around the world.

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“The thread count in your hotel isn’t right or your frappuccino isn’t frothed right. I don’t even know what a frappuccino is. But my point being, we’ve got nothing to complain about. Pretty good life.”

Wilson said he called Winnipeg Jets executive Mark Chipman and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff on Monday to apologize.

“I went to high school in Winnipeg, I played junior hockey in Winnipeg,” Wilson said. “It’s a great city and (the Jets are) a wonderful organization and I’m disappointed that our broadcast partner would put our players or our organization in a position to have to respond to this.”

#NHLJets HC blasts back at #SJSharks for ripping Winnipeg. It’s unfortunate that Justin Braun comes off as a pampered pro athlete bc I know that’s not who he is. Always one of the kindest, most genuine guys. pic.twitter.com/JRl2wuvdpB — Paul Gackle (@GackleReport) January 9, 2018

Asked, though, if the players do have to bear responsibility for what they say to the media, even if it is to a friendlier outlet, Wilson said, “Sure, we all do. But I think the narrative was cobbled together out of what was probably an attempt by our broadcast partner at some humor or whatever. But inappropriate and unacceptable.”

In a statement to this newspaper, NBC Sports California wrote, “We have tremendous respect for all of our partners. We meant no disrespect to the City of Winnipeg or the San Jose Sharks.”