Arrr! "Pride Tape" scallywags be sad that NHL be banishing vibrant rainbow tape from ship's sticks.
2023-10-11
Avast ye! The scallywags of the NHL could once sport the vibrant tape o' the rainbow to show their support for the LGBTQ+ brethren. But alas! The league, like a bunch of landlubbers, has banned it afore the new season. Aye, there be no color in their hearts!
The NHL has decided to ban "specialty" jerseys, including Pride-themed uniforms, after players opted out of wearing them during warmups. Philadelphia Flyers Defenseman Ivan Provorov made headlines when he refused to wear the team's Pride-themed jersey, citing his Russian Orthodox religion. The ban also extends to rainbow-colored stick tape, which was seen as a way to circumvent the new uniform policy. The makers of "Pride Tape" expressed disappointment in the league's decision and called for a commitment to combating homophobia. It should be noted that other types of on-ice commemorations, including Hockey Fights Cancer nights and military appreciation, are also banned. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman explained that the focus should be on the game and not on distractions. He stated that themed jerseys will still be sold and designed, and players can even wear them as models. However, some players, like Connor McDavid, expressed disappointment in not being able to wear pride-themed jerseys and tape. The ban comes at a time when the NHL has faced criticism for not being inclusive to the LGBTQ community, which Bettman acknowledged as legitimate concerns. While Pride Nights and other heritage celebrations will continue, the league wants to keep the attention on the cause rather than the jerseys themselves.