Ottawa Senators head coach Dave Cameron speaks during a season wrap-up press conference in Ottawa on April 29, 2015.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Dave Cameron fought back tears, and fought back against Eugene Melnyk's stinging criticism.
Cameron met with Ottawa reporters one final time Thursday morning after being fired as head coach of the Senators on Tuesday. He took issue with Melnyk's public airing of grievances as the team sputtered out of playoff contention.
Cameron's dismissal seemed imminent following Melnyk's critical comments March 22. The Senators owner told reporters "nobody is safe" and called Cameron's decision to start rookie Matt O'Connor in the home opener "stupidity."
"It was hurtful and I didn't think there was any need of it," Cameron said. "I felt like I was fired for three weeks. Every day."
Melnyk's comments seemed harsh considering he and Cameron have a relationship going back to 2001, when Cameron was hired to coach Melnyk's Toronto St. Michaels Majors in the Ontario Hockey League.
"I think what got lost in the comments is that you can evaluate me all you want on my coaching and fire me," Cameron said. "I understand all that, but there's no need of being hurtful, we're human beings at the end of the day."
During a radio interview Melnyk said he planned to call Cameron, but the two have not spoken.
Cameron, who spent three years as an assistant coach with Ottawa, was the 11th coach in franchise history. He took over as head coach Dec. 8, 2014 after the Senators fired Paul MacLean and compiled a 70-50-17 overall record.
The 57-year-old had just completed his first full season as Ottawa's head coach. He has a year remaining on his contract.
Expectations for Cameron and the Senators were high following last season's incredible run to the playoffs, when the Senators went 23-4-4 over their final 31 games to make up a 14-point deficit. Despite a first-round loss to the Montreal Canadiens in six games, optimism remained high.
Ottawa was expected to build on its success and return to the playoffs, but nothing seemed to fall into place for the Senators this season. A combination of injuries and inconsistent play plagued them, not to mention dreadful special teams and horrible defensive play.
Ottawa allowed the first goal 51 times, was outshot in 60 games, finished fifth in goals against (241) and gave up the most shots in the league at 32.8 per game.
Ottawa's special teams were amongst the NHL's worst. The power play, which features defenceman Erik Karlsson, was ranked No. 26 overall, combining for just 38 goals. The penalty kill, which had a league-leading 17 short-handed goals, was ranked No. 29 at 17.8 per cent.
Cameron offered very little explanation for why things went so horribly wrong this season.
"I got fired because somebody doesn't think I can do the job, end of conversation. I'm not going to get into a debate over right or wrong or this or that, doesn't do any good. I'm appreciative of the opportunity, I enjoyed it and I have no regrets, none whatsoever.
"Doesn't do me any good to dissect coaching because it doesn't matter."
Despite the disappointing season Cameron said he never felt he had lost his team's support, something he clearly didn't have from his owner.
"I honestly believe I had the backing of my team," he said. "I got some calls. I've talked to my players. I honestly believe I had their backing, but again it doesn't matter. I just wish them well. I hope what they do as a team is they take this backwards, sidewards step that we took this year and learn from it.
"A lot of teams have to get a little reality given to them before they reach their peak and I hope they go on to be very successful and go on to give Ottawa the team it deserves."
While Cameron has no immediate plans for next season he's looking forward to the opportunity to be part of Canada's staff at the upcoming world championship as an assistant coach.