DETROIT — Wayne Simmonds should have been able to talk about what a fine first impression he’s made on his new team.

After scoring in the final minute of Philadelphia’s game in London, Ontario, on Thursday night, Simmonds found the net again in a shootout — but it was what happened while he was in the process of scoring that second goal that stole all the headlines.

A banana was thrown from the stands as Simmonds skated toward Detroit goalie Jordan Pearce, marring the end of an exhibition game that was played about 120 miles from Simmonds’ birthplace of Scarborough, Ontario. Simmonds, who is Black, issued a statement Friday, before the Flyers and Red Wings played again in Detroit.

“It was unfortunate that this incident happened, but I am above this sort of stuff,” he said. “This is something that is obviously out of my control. Moving forward, this incident is something that I will no longer comment on so I can just focus on playing for the Philadelphia Flyers.”

Simmonds made the trip with the Flyers to Detroit, but sat out Philadelphia’s 3-1 win over the Red Wings on Friday night, as both teams tried to use players who hadn’t been in the lineup the previous day. Simmonds was in press row toward the end of the game, and although he declined further comment, he did send a few autograph-seeking fans home happy.

“I’m Black, and I’m a real big hockey fan,” said 29-year-old Latoya Pugh, who was at the game with her kids. “It’s a sport you want to get more Americans into.”