Philadelphia Flyers: Scott Laughton wins Yanick Dupre Award

The Yanick Dupre Award is the second-oldest award given out by the Flyers. It recognizes the player who best displays character and respect.

Dating back to the 1966-67 season, the award was originally simply called the “Class Guy Award.” It was renamed in 1999 after the passing of Flyers forward Yanick Dupre. It came after his 16-month battle with leukemia. He unfortunately passed at the young age of 24.

The award is given to the Flyers player who displays character and shows himself with dignity and respect. This year’s winner is a player that is well-liked and respected around the locker room by both players and media alike.

Scott Laughton is considered to be one of the most well-articulated players when it comes to media availability. He is never shy in answering questions honestly and has developed relationships with the media of the team.

Laughton also shows that respect on the ice as well. He never comes in expecting to be handed a roster spot. He always plays as if he could be cut the next day. And he was rewarded for that this season. He had a career year, despite some bumps and bruises along the way.

Every person that takes home the award is a first-time winner as no player is able to take home the award more than once. Only the Barry Ashbee Trophy for best defenseman has been around longer.

The award has been given to a plethora of different people around the Flyers locker room. It isn’t always necessarily a star of the team, though they are typically seen as the ones to have to answer the tough questions.

It can also be a veteran around the locker room who the media feels has paid his dues. For example, Andrew MacDonald took home the award last season. Mark Streit has also won the award as well.

Of course, stars like Sean Couturier, Wayne Simmonds, and Jakub Voracek have also won as well.