EKBLAD SETS THE TONE

In addition to donning rainbow stick tape during the annual Panthers Pride Night, Aaron Ekblad has appeared in ads for Nike’s BETRUE collection in support of equality. The defenseman explained that the issue is not just about making fans feel welcome, but also any future LGBTQ+ NHL players: “When the time comes that somebody does come out as identifying themselves as part of that community in any way, the right atmosphere is created among the players in the league. It’s all about accepting.”