François Arnaud Urges NHL to Champion LGBTQ Player Support

François Arnaud, known for his role as a gay hockey player, Scott Hunter, in the series “Heated Rivalry,” is advocating for greater support for LGBTQ players in the NHL. He expressed his desire for the league to extend its promotional efforts into meaningful actions for the LGBTQ community.

François Arnaud’s Call for Change in the NHL

Arnaud highlighted the NHL’s ability to capitalize on the success of the Crave/HBO Max series. He noted that while the league benefits from the show’s popularity, it needs to back it up with genuine support for LGBTQ rights. During an interview on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy, he remarked, “Their sales are going up apparently, and the Boston Bruins tagged us in different clips online. It’s getting incredible traction.”

Concerns Over NHL Policies

Along with his support for the LGBTQ community, Arnaud pointed out past NHL policies that appear to undermine progress. He mentioned a ban on players wearing Pride bands several years ago, urging the league to change its stance. “If you’re gonna use our name, back it up with real-life support,” he asserted.

Success of “Heated Rivalry”

The series, adapted from Rachel Reid’s “Game Changer” book series, has seen a sudden rise in popularity, which Arnaud did not entirely anticipate despite his belief in the project. “I always believed in the show from the moment I read it, knowing it would find an audience,” he explained. “But I did not expect it to go this fast overnight.”

Conclusion

François Arnaud hopes that the NHL will follow through on its promotional efforts with substantive support for LGBTQ players. As “Heated Rivalry” continues to capture audience interest, its impact on hockey culture may encourage a more inclusive environment in the sport.