Hockey world up in arms after Flyers defenseman refuses to take part in Pride night pre-game skate

Right before the game started, several media members believed that Provorov was a healthy scratch because he didn't partake in the pre-game warm-ups but it also coincided with his poor game yesterday and Tortorella's notion of benching his players when he sees fit.

Right before the game ended, the Flyers released a statement that read:

"The Philadelphia Flyers organization is committed to inclusivity and is proud to support the LGBTQ+ community. Many of our players are active in their support of local LGBTQ+ organizations, and we were proud to host our annual Pride Night again this year. The Flyers will continue to be strong advocates for inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ community."

The Flyers sending this right before their 5-2 win was official was definitely their way of getting ahead of the PR mess that will ensue. Head coach John Tortorella then took to the podium and answered questions regarding the situation:

"I think the organization has sent out a release regarding the beliefs that we have and how we feel about it, really a great night. With Provy, he's being true to himself and to his religion, this has to do with his belief and his religion, and it's one thing that I respect about Provorov is that he is always true to himself and so that's where we're at with that."

When asked if there was any consideration of benching him for the game:

"No, no, I'm not going to answer many more questions on it because I just think it's unfair and I know that you're probably going to talk to Provy... I'm not going to spend more time on it and I think it was a great night on celebrating and the organization has put out a statement, I'm not going to get too deep into the conversation."

Provorov took to the stand after the game and said:

"I respect everyone. I respect everybody's choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion."

He didn't want to go further into detail and clarified that his religion is Russian Orthodox. Flyers shut down any further questions.

Provorov was in the news a few weeks ago amidst trade rumours with the player and team seemingly reaching a mutual breaking point, according to Elliotte Friedman. A move like this was never going to go over well and it makes you wonder what the future repercussions this will have on the player, the team, and any future dealings for the former first round pick.

This only adds more fuel to the fire from a report last year that Provorov ruffled a lot of feathers in his own locker room. Scott Laughton, the only player with a letter on his jersey in Philadelphia, is also the spokesperson for the LGBTQ+ community on the Flyers and one has to wonder how things will roll over in the next coming days, weeks, and possibly months, not only within the community but the locker room as a whole.