In keeping up with the times, the National Hockey League has made a concerted effort to open the doors to the sport and make it more inclusive at all levels.
The Flyers’ Scott Laughton has gone above and beyond to assist and promote this effort.
The 27-year-old center has served as the Flyers’ “Hockey is for Everyone” ambassador and a “You Can Play’’ ambassador.
On Wednesday it was announced Laughton has been nominated for the 2021-22 King Clancy Memorial Trophy, which is presented by the National Hockey League “to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.”
Laughton supports the mission through in-kind support and monetary donations. This past season, Laughton hosted individuals from the LGBTQ+ community at 12 Flyers home games, including a gay, female hockey player who had recently come out to her team. This young player was also mourning the passing of someone who had been instrumental in her hockey career, her grandfather.
Not only did Laughton host this player at a game, but he also had his teammates sign a hockey stick to present to her. Ensuring that everyone feels included and welcomed is what Laughton is all about.
Each of the 32 teams in the NHL is responsible to nominate a player to be considered for the King Clancy. The winner will be chosen by a committee of senior NHL executives led by Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. The selection committee will apply the following criteria in determining the finalists and winner:
>Clear and measurable positive impact on the community
>Investment of time and resources
> Commitment to a particular cause or community
>Commitment to the League’s community initiatives
> Creativity of programming
>Use of influence; engagement of others
The first-place finisher will receive a $25,000 donation to benefit a charity or charities of his choice. The two runners-up each will receive a $5,000 donation to benefit a charity or charities of their choice.
