NHL investigating anti-gay slur at Lightning-Leafs

The NHL is investigating an anti-gay slur picked up by microphones during a game at Toronto against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night after videos posted online indicated that it might have originated with a Maple Leafs player.

“The NHL is aware of reports that a homophobic slur was used during the Maple Leafs-Lightning game. The league is investigating the incident and will have no further comment until this investigation is completed,” said the league. The investigation, and any discipline in the matter, will be handled by the NHL’s department of hockey operations.

In the second period of their 6-2 loss to the Lightning, Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly chased Lightning forward Yanni Gourde into the Toronto zone during a Tampa Bay penalty kill. Referee Brad Meier skated back with them. On the audio carried by Sportsnet in Canada, there’s a clear anti-gay slur shouted by someone near ice level. The NHL is in the process of finding out who uttered it.

The Leafs issued their own statement from general manager Kyle Dubas after the investigation was announced: “The club is aware of the reports surrounding a homophobic slur used during the Maple Leafs versus Lightning game on Monday night. The issue of homophobia is one the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club strongly condemns and takes very seriously. We are in communication with the NHL and are cooperating fully with their office.”

The Maple Leafs have been one of the most vocal supporters of the You Can Play organization, which partnered with the team on Feb. 25 for night that spotlighted LGBTQ hockey community. A public service announcement featuring Toronto Maple Leafs players was shown in-arena during the game. “The Toronto Maple Leafs are very much a part of You Can Play history,” said Ryan Pettengill, You Can Play executive director.

The league has punished players before for uttering anti-gay slurs during games. Andrew Shaw, then with the Chicago Blackhawks, was suspended for one playoff game in 2017 after using an anti-gay slur while seated in the penalty box. But later that postseason, the NHL came under fire for handing Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf only a $10,000 fine for what many felt was an anti-gay slur he used in the Western Conference final.