Ladies and gentleman, it’s only May, but we have a winner for the stupidest statement made by a sports announcer in 2012.

CBC’s Ron MacLean actually evoked the image of 9/11 during his open to Wednesday’s New York Rangers-Washington Capitals game.

Yahoo’s PuckDaddy has the complete text. It feels even worse when you read it:

From the capital of the U.S. of A., it’s New York and Washington. The economic and political engines of America, united in the birth of the country, they’re also linked in tragedy. They were the twin targets of the coordinated attacks on 9/11. It’s crazy to compare what the emergency responders did during that time, but a spirit has to start somewhere. And as you enjoy this series between the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals — Game 6 comin’ up, 3-2 New York — you can’t help but be struck by the players and the way they’ve played these games.

They are like police officers. They are like firefighters. You can’t fight fire with ego. Brad [Richards] knows that. The pain these men have faced. The price they keep on paying. The hearts they keep on lifting. It’s been through and through, five games in. You see the commitment, they’re ready to go again this evening in Game 6 at Verizon Center in Washington.

We all know about the firefighters. Our worst day is their every day. Been a joy to watch.

All I can say is, NO, NO, a thousand times NO! No announcer ever should bring up 9/11 in the context of a game.

Really, nothing more needs to be said.