Ivan Provorov, the Russian defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers in the National Hockey League, earned recognition as the club’s top defender by the votes of journalists and television presenters who cover the league. This honor, named after Barry Ashby, marked the fourth time in his career that Provorov has claimed the award, following victories in the 2017/2018, 2019/2020, and 2020/2021 seasons.
In the 2022/23 regular season, Provorov appeared in 80 games, contributed five goals, and added 19 assists to his statistics. His consistent performance on the ice has solidified his reputation as a dependable two-way defender for the Flyers, contributing both offensively and defensively through the schedule.
Provorov has also been part of public discussions off the ice. He drew attention for his decision not to participate in a rally supporting LGBT rights due to his religious beliefs. This stance coincided with the league’s decision not to require players to wear a rainbow-themed sweater during regular season practices. After a scheduling gap, Provorov returned to action in a matchup against the Anaheim Ducks, with the Flyers delivering a strong 5–2 victory.
Discussions around player involvement in social issues continued to surface during the season, including remarks from former NHL coach Martin St. Louis regarding Denis Guryanov’s choice to skip LGBT-related demonstrations ahead of a game between the Washington Capitals and other teams. These topics highlighted the ongoing conversations about personal beliefs, league protocols, and the role of athletes in public advocacy.