Canada

I have low expectations of NHL players, teams and the league. There aren't many worthy role models among them and there's a broadly toxic environment around the NHL. Can't say I'm surprised by any of these guys being ignorant and comfortable in toxic group dynamics.

The question is, are consumers of NHL products uncomfortable enough with those toxic dynamics to make any difference? I would love to see it, but the NHL product is tribal membership and escapist entertainment, and that's what the consumers are there for. Seems much more likely that most fans shrug it off, because tribalism and escapism both have pretty strong immune systems that keep out the irl concerns people are there to get away from.

A few PR-coached statements later, it's probably back to thousands of Canadian fans wearing Tkachuk and Matthews jerseys cheering them on.