Dylan Strome, a player for the NHL's Washington Capitals, shared a seemingly innocent photo with his two-year-old daughter, Eme, during a visit to Walt Disney World in Orlando. They were pictured in playful attire, with Eme in a pink princess dress and Strome wearing a cap adorned with a tiara. This casual family moment was intended as a lighthearted expression of fatherhood, with the NHL even promoting it by calling Strome the 'ultimate girls’ dad' alongside a heart emoji.

However, the timing of the post soon drew criticism and became problematic for the NHL. It was released just a day after the U.S. men's Olympic hockey team faced backlash for a phone call with former President Donald Trump, who suggested that the women's team should also be invited to the White House. This connection raised concerns over the optics of the NHL promoting a wholesome image amidst the controversies surrounding gender inequality and sensitive topics related to the treatment and recognition of women's sports.

In light of the social media storm that ensued, the NHL made the difficult decision to remove the post. The incident highlights the increasing scrutiny that sports organizations, players, and related content face in today’s digital landscape, where context matters profoundly, and the risks associated with public perceptions can lead to swift actions to mitigate potential backlash.