Player vows to go against NHL ban no matter what the consequences are!

The NHL recently made the decision to ban on-ice support for community causes, which includes the use of rainbow-coloured stick tape on Pride nights. Last week, a memo was sent to teams clarifying what players can and cannot do as part of theme celebrations this season.

However, Philadelphia Flyers’ Scott Laughton does not care what the memo says. When asked about the ban and what it means for the LGBTQ+ community and the You Can Play Project, Laughton was not scared of saying that he will go against the ban during the season, and he does not care what the consequences may be, per Charlie O'Connor. 

“You’ll probably see me with the pride tape on that night anyway.”

“If they want to say something, they can.”

Ever since he entered the league, the Flyers forward has taken on a significant role in supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Since 2012, he’s been an ambassador for You Can Play Project, the advocacy organization established that fights homophobia in sports.

Last year, on the eve of Pride month, Laughton raised the pride flag in front of Wells Fargo Center. He and teammate James van Riemsdyk donated four game tickets to local LGBTQ+ organizations for 12 home games throughout the 2022-2023 season. On top of that, Laughton personally matched a $5,000 donation from the Flyers in support of the You Can Play Project and their efforts throughout Greater Philadelphia.

It is no surprise that he will not obey the ban for on-ice support for community causes, which includes the use of rainbow-coloured stick tape on Pride nights.

And I bet he won’t be the only one as other star players like Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid and Toronto Maple Leafs’ Morgan Rielly have expressed their disappointment with the league’s decision.

UPDATE: When Laughton came out with his vow to disregard the rule, he inspired other players to do the same. Minnesota Wild's Jon Merrill, who's always been a supporter of LGBTQ+ community, also chooses to go against the NHL ban. 

"If anyone does it, what is the league going to do? Take me off the ice, give me a penalty? Then you look bad as a league. I don’t know. It’s upsetting. Just disappointing."

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