Kendall Coyne Schofield tells her side of Pierre McGuire mansplaining controversy

Kendall Coyne Schofield has had a few cringe-worthy encounters with Pierre McGuire this past week, culminating with her debut as an analyst for Wednesday’s matchup between the Lightning and Penguins on NBC Sports.

“Tampa’s going to be on your left, Pittsburgh’s going to be on your right,” McGuire told the US Olympic gold medalist and five-time IIHF World Champion between the benches. “What are you expecting out of this game? We’re paying you to be an analyst, not to be a fan tonight!”

This came days after McGuire was called out on social media for his literal handling of her after she became the first woman to officially compete in the NHL All-Star Skills Competition on Friday in San Jose.

On Thursday, Coyne Schofield tweeted about her experiences, saying “My week started with competing in the NHL All-Star game and ended with calling and NHL game. To say it was one of the most incredible weeks of my life wouldn’t come close to doing it service. Bur what made this week even more meaningful is that know it was much bigger than me. People joke about my size, but what I can tell is I’ve learned these shoulders are strong enough to carry the weight and responsibility I feel, not to just my self, but to all the young girls who have watched my week and now know what is possible for them.

“I’ve known Pierre McGuire for years. I know he respects me as a hockey player, a woman and a friend and that is why I didn’t think twice about our on-air exchange when it happened. I didn’t give it a second thought until after the game when I received countless messages. I went back and looked at the video. I understand why people would think it was inappropriate; if I were watching it at home and saw a man say this to a women athlete, I would have been offended. But what I also know how excited Pierre was for me and to be a part of this moment. While I wish it came out differently, I know Pierre doesn’t question my hockey knowledge. But, to be honest, that’s not what’s important.

“What IS important is for every young girl reading this to know it doesn’t matter what anyone thinks of my hockey knowledge – because I do not doubt my hockey knowledge. I didn’t need a godl medal to come to that conclusion. I needed belief in myself. That took time to build and UI would never let someone else undo all of that work on the ice – and especially off.

“Last night was magical, nerve wracking and incredible. I learned two things: I loved being a part of it and I need to get better. All of THAT I control.”

Not long after Coyne Schofield’s statement, McGuire released one of his own.

“I’ve known Kendall for year and have had the privilege of covering her as a member of Team USA at the past two Winter Olympics. We were all thrilled to have her join our coverae last night, but at times my excitement got the better of me and I should have chosen my words better. I have the utmost respect for Kendall as a world-class player, analyst of the game, and role model.”+