Robin Lehner uses his time with the Toronto media to ask colleagues to support Kyle Beach

One of the first NHLers to reach out to Kyle Beach last week, after he revealed himself to the world as John Doe 1 in the lawsuit against the Chicago Blackhawks for burying a sexual assault that occurred back in 2010, during the Blackhawks' 2010 Stanley Cup run was none other than Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner.

Lehner describes the call as very emotional, and despite the subject matter being difficult to talk about, Lehner took himself out of his comfort zone to make sure that he was there for Beach and to console and support the courageous survivor who is attempting to effect change - something he thinks that all NHLers should be on board with.

"I commended him a lot," said Lehner of the conversation he had with Beach. "He's changing people's lives by the bravery of speaking out. I just want to be there for him and support him through this, and I think the majority of players I've talked to are all on the same page.

«At the end of the day, people need to be held accountable that knew... It's part of healing, you know, getting some justice. And that's what we all want.»

Lehner, following a tough 4-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, alluded to the fact that some things are, quietly frankly, more important than winning a hockey game. Lehner used his time in front of the media to shine a light on what Beach had gone through and as an attempt to recruit more of his colleagues to take action.

«I encourage more teams to just talk about it and make sure that we're a part of it, so that this doesn't happen again. It's not just on the NHLPA or NHL. All players need to take this seriously if you want change and culture change.

«Honestly, it's extremely tough for me to do [discuss] it. But, you know, sometimes my principles and how I feel take over. But at the end of the day, I just want more players to — whatever [the issue] is — take a stand. Because we, as players, can bring change as much as anyone else.

«Again, it's difficult for me, and I wish more people step up and fight. Because it's for our kids, hopefully my kids, a lot of players' kids. We want them to succeed in playing in this league. We want hockey and the NHL to be as good as possible.»

As they say, what comes easy is often not worth it, but what's worth it does not often come easy. You really have to admire Lehner for coming forward and not only being a good human being first, but also being a voice for Kyle Beach within the National Hockey League. Especially when some of Beach's own teammates at the time would not.

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