For his part, Laraque believes that LGBTQ+ athletes who participate in sports, as well as allies such as Domi, can have a huge impact on encouraging those who aren't sure whether they too can play.
"Love is love," proclaimed Laraque, a former NHL enforcer with 695 games of NHL experience with the Edmonton Oilers, Phoenix Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Habs. "You're their role model, and you went through what they went through. And then you showed them and you're giving them hope. That's why it's so important that more and more of you out there show that you're no different than everybody else. You're competing. You made it. You became a professional athlete just like we did. We have to sweat hard to be there. So did you. So in supporting that, a lot of kids could lead by example by following your lead. That's why we're here. We're supporting you, and the fact that you guys are doing it, it's awesome."