Derrick Walser has apologised to Welsh ice hockey fans after being accused of disrespect before Cardiff Devils played Belfast Giants at Ice Arena Wales on Wednesday.

Canadian player-coach Walser, from Nova Scotia, started skating and putting on his helmet while the Wales national anthem was still in full flow before face-off – and he didn’t stop for almost 30 seconds.

He was unavailable for comment after the match, but later tweeted: “So sorry for disrespecting the NA, @cardiffdevils and the fans. It was not intentional. Thought the anthem was ending. I regret my mistake.”

Walser, 38, is in his third season in charge of the Belfast team and was focused on being ready for face-off in their Challenge Cup semi-final against the Devils when he skated off.

He clearly didn’t realise quickly enough what was happening and referee Dean Smith gave Walser a 10-minute misconduct penalty.

Devils player-coach Andrew Lord looked shocked at Walser’s actions, but would not make any comment after the game.

Giants won the first leg clash 5-4 and the return fixture is in Belfast next Wednesday. The winners on aggregate will take on Sheffield Steelers or Nottingham Panthers in the final at Ice Arena Wales, Cardiff Bay during March.

Walser brings his Giants team back to Cardiff for a double-header over the last weekend of the 2016-17 regular season and it’s certain he won’t make the same mistake again.