Colby Williams on suspension, missing 2018 Outdoor Classic

“Disappointment would be a big word for me. It could be a once in a lifetime opportunity for me,” said Colby Williams Thursday after the Hershey Bears first outdoor practice leading up to the 2018 Outdoor Classic.

Williams will miss the game due to a suspension stemming from a hit on Lehigh Valley’s Danick Martel last Saturday in Lehigh Valley. “It sucks,” said Williams. “I can’t really do anything about it.

“It’s going to be a fun event. I’m still looking forward to it.”

The hit ended up breaking Martel’s jaw, placing him out of action for an unknown period of time. “I was just trying to have a tight gap and kind of angle him off,” Williams said about the hit. “He took a look over his shoulder and knew where I was. He tried to jump to the middle and I just kind of stepped up and hit him.

“I knew obviously it was going to be a big hit but I had no idea it was going to end like that.”

The 22-year-old was extremely remorseful about injuring Martel, even sending a message to the Phantoms forward over social media after hearing about the injury, wishing him well with his recovery. “He messaged back saying what happens, happens. It’s all good. We exchanged pleasantries there. I just hope he recovers fast and gets back quickly.”

The two players will each miss the Outdoor Classic, but the teams will rematch for the third time in eight days Saturday night at Hersheypark Stadium.