ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Kirill Kaprizov doesn’t need much space to score a goal, but he’s not above getting a little help from the opposing goalie.
The Minnesota star forward banked a puck from a sharp angle off the side of Philadelphia Flyers goalie Samuel Ersson’s helmet and into the net in the first period of the Wild's 4-1 win on Saturday.
“He’s a skilled player,” Ersson said. “I don’t think it’s luck for him.”
Just over 15 minutes into a scoreless first period, Wild defenseman Jon Merrill fired a shot that caromed off the end boards behind Ersson. The puck ricocheted to Kaprizov, who was about a foot ahead of the goal line, 10 feet to the left of the net.
Ersson slid to his left to cover the post. But firing high from a bad angle, Kaprisov’s shot rattled off the side of Ersson’s head and into the net.
Wild coach John Hines said Kaprizov often works on similar shots for up to 30 minutes a day after practice or pregame skates, and the practice paid off again.
“It isn’t the first time he’s done in a game either,” said Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, who faces Kaprizov every day in practice. “So I’m not surprised. He's fun to watch.”
Kaprizov added an empty-netter with 2:10 remaining — his 20th of the season — to move into second-place in the NHL, one behind Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl.
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov, center right, celebrates his goal with his teammates during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)
Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov, left, celebrates his goal with center Ben Jones (39) during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)
Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson (33) prepares to save the puck while Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim (6) dives to block and Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) looks on during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)
BANGKOK (AP) — Hundreds of LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand are expected to make their wedded status legal Thursday, the first day a law took effect granting them the same rights as heterosexual couples.
The enactment of the Marriage Equality Act makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia and the third place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, after Taiwan and Nepal.
Marriage registration is customarily done at district offices, but on Thursday, around 300 couples are expected to complete the formalities at a daylong gala celebration in an exhibition hall at a shopping mall in central Bangkok. Hundreds more are predicted to register in less fancy circumstances around the country.
The marriage equality bill, which sailed through both houses of parliament, amended the Civil and Commercial Code to change the words “men and women” and “husband and wife” to “individuals” and “marriage partners.” It is supposed to open up access to full legal, financial and medical rights for LGBTQ+ couples.
Partners will have equal rights and responsibilities in dealing with joint assets, tax obligations and deductions, inheritance rights and survivor benefits.
Thailand has a reputation for acceptance and inclusivity, and thousands of people from around the world attend the annual Bangkok Pride parade. But rights advocates have struggled for decades to pass a marriage equality law in a largely conservative society where members of the LGBTQ+ community say they face discrimination in everyday life, although they note that things have improved greatly in recent years.
Couples interviewed earlier this month by The Associated Press expressed happiness with the new law, even those already settled in contented long-term relationships.
“The enforcement of the marriage equality law is proof that regardless of our gender, we all share the same basic human rights in every aspect under Thai law,” said Kullayahnut Akkharasretthabudh, 38, a real estate owner whose partner is Juthatip Suttiwong, 24, a chef. “It also paves the way for other countries in Asia, highlighting the importance of recognizing each other’s human values and enabling everyone to live.”
Patherine Khunnares, 37, a web designer, said she and researcher Vivian Chullamon, 36, “have a supportive social circle, friends, and family who accept us for who we are and accept the person we love. Marriage, it seems, isn’t everything that fulfills us emotionally..
“However, ultimately, we believe that as two human beings, we should be granted the same basic legal rights as heterosexual couples. We are a complete family in spirit, but legal recognition would alleviate our future anxieties. In the end, we aren’t asking for anything special — we just want a simple, happy family life.”
Bangkok’s city government has said that it organized workshops for staff of all its district offices who are in charge of handling marriage registration. They included lectures raising awareness about gender diversity and guidance on how to properly communicate with those who come for the service. The Interior Ministry has offered similar guidance.
“It’s like a missing piece of the jigsaw,” Bangkok Deputy Gov. Sanon Wangsrangboon said at one of the workshops earlier this month. “Society is ready. The law is getting ready. But the last piece of the jigsaw is the understanding from officials.”
A couple from the LGBTQ+ community wait to sign their marriage certificates as the Marriage Equality Act takes effect in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
A couple from the LGBTQ+ community pose for a photo while waiting to sign their marriage certificates as the Marriage Equality Act takes effect in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
A couple from the LGBTQ+ community wait to sign their marriage certificates as the Marriage Equality Act takes effect in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Pisit Sirihirunchai, left, and Chanatip Sirihirunchai from the LGBTQ+ community show their marriage certificates after the Marriage Equality Act took effect in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
A couple from the LGBTQ+ community shows their marriage certificate in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Kwanporn Kongpetch, left, and Kwanporn Kongpetch from the LGBTQ+ community show their marriage certificates after the Marriage Equality Act took effect in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
A group of LGBTQ pose for a picture as a part of celebration of a marriage equality bill at Government house in Bangkok, Thailand, on Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Jirasak jivawavatanawanit)
FILE - Sunma Piamboon, left, and her partner Danaya Phonphayung show their wedding rings in Bangkok, Thailand, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)
