Avery, Roenick Hit Hard North of the Border

Jeremy Roenick and Sean Avery of the Kings may become the most dangerous combination in the NHL, off the ice anyway.

The two did a “yo, Canada,” duet Tuesday, Avery’s comments prompting an apology and Roenick weighing in again on the concussion he suffered Sunday.

Roenick was leveled by Phoenix’s Denis Gauthier in an exhibition, suffering what is said to be the 11th concussion of his career. Roenick said the play showed a “lack of respect.” Avery went a bit further.

While he told a Canadian sports television network Tuesday he thought it was a “clean hit,” Avery added: “I think it was typical of most French guys in our league with a visor on, running around and playing tough and not back anything up.

“I’d think if a guy like Brett Hull was coming up the middle, somebody probably wouldn’t have stepped up and hit him, but like I said, a typical move from a guy wearing a visor that certainly doesn’t like to get scratched at all.”

Gauthier was born in Montreal, Roenick in Boston and Avery in Pickering, Canada.

Avery’s remark created such a furor that the Kings issued a statement from him before Tuesday’s exhibition: “I certainly did not want to offend anyone with my comments earlier today. I am an emotional guy who sometimes says things that shouldn’t be said. I apologize if I offend anyone.”

The apology was issued after a call from the NHL office.

Roenick had his opinions.

“I’ve seen that Canadians are saying that I’m complaining and whining because I got hit hard,” he said. “But I have gotten hit hard many, many, many times, probably more so than they have ever been hit. They just love to complain about me because I’m an American who gets more press than their Canadian players.

“They can whine about me all they want. The fact of the matter is the need for respect for everybody, not just me. I’m sure if Joe Sakic got hit the way I got hit and said the same thing I did, Canadians wouldn’t be sitting there saying Joe was complaining.”

Roenick also reacted when told by a Canadian TV reporter that Ottawa’s Bryan Smolinski -- a former King -- said that Roenick has given enough hits, he ought to be able to take one.

“I wish somebody would wake up, realize the preseason is different than the regular season,” Roenick said. “If this ... had happened to me in the 50th game of the season, or the playoffs, or while battling for a playoff spot, so be it.”

Roenick, who will miss the rest of the preseason, said he didn’t blame Gauthier, who called him Monday to apologize.

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Center Derek Armstrong, out since Sept. 18 with a concussion, was cleared to practice.... Defensemen Mattias Norstrom and Tim Gleason were injured in a 5-3 loss to San Jose at Staples Center.