Despite the NHL’s recent restriction, Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton wants to utilize Pride tape and doesn’t seem concerned about possible penalties from the organization.
Laughton stated on Wednesday, “You’ll probably see me with the Pride tape on (Pride night),” as reported by Charlie O’Connor of PHLY Sports. “I’ll probably have (the tape) on (my stick), but I’m not sure if it’s a ban or something. I didn’t read what it said really.”
“things won’t change how I approach things, but we’ll see what they say. They are free to speak if they so choose.”
“I’ll use the tape—if I have to buy it myself, that is,” Laughton continued. Go about it that way.” Since the NHL stated on Tuesday that it is banning the use of the rainbow-colored tape that frequently goes along with Pride night celebrations, a number of players and other members of the hockey community have denounced the league.
Morgan Rielly, a defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs, stated on Tuesday that he thought “the players had the right to do more” following the ruling. Rasmus Andersson, a blue liner with the Calgary Flames, expressed his disappointment over the ban, saying it “sucks” and that it will effect not only Pride nights but also “Hockey Fights Cancer” activities.
Brian Burke, a longtime NHL executive, expressed his “deep disappointment” in the league’s attempts to “protect a select few who do not want to answer any questions about their choices” in a letter on Wednesday. Burke went on to say that he hopes the NHL would reevaluate its choice.The league prohibited theme night jerseys of any kind from being worn during this season’s pregame warmups in June. It took this action in reaction to seven players’ refusals during the 2022–2023 season to wear Pride night jerseys for a variety of reasons.
Ivan Provorov, Laughton’s Flyers teammate at the time, was the first player to accomplish this. Early in June, Philadelphia dealt Provorov to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Laughton assisted in setting up the Pride evening that included Provorov’s rejection. The Canadian and fellow Flyers forward James van Riemsdyk handled a number of event-related projects.Last season, Laughton was Philadelphia’s nominee for the King Clancy Trophy, which recognizes players who exemplify leadership on and off the ice and also make significant humanitarian contributions to their communities.
