National Hockey League (NHL) teams’ annual Pride nights, held to show support for the LGBTQ+ community, have become the center of attention following recent controversies. Several players have objected to participating in pregame warmups that included Pride-themed jerseys, citing religious beliefs. Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks decided not to have players wear Pride-themed warmup jerseys for their upcoming Pride night, citing Russia’s anti-gay law.
Objections from Players
Several hockey players, including the Staal brothers and James Reimer, who are Canadian, and Ivan Provorov, who is Russian, cited their religious beliefs as the reason for not participating in warmups. The Staals issued a statement emphasizing that they do not judge others’ lifestyles but feel that wearing a Pride jersey goes against their Christian beliefs. The You Can Play Project, which promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports, expressed disappointment in Reimer’s decision and emphasized that religion and respect can coexist.
NHL’s History with Pride
The NHL has had a history of supporting Pride events. In 2013, the league partnered with the You Can Play Project, and in 2016-17, it added team Pride ambassadors. The Edmonton Oilers introduced Rainbow Pride stick tape in 2016, and since then, all 32 teams have held a Pride night, although not all of them have featured themed jerseys. The Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets have named their events “Hockey Is For Everyone” night.
Reaction to the Controversy
Luke Prokop, a Nashville Predators prospect who made history as the first openly gay player signed to an NHL contract in 2021, expressed disappointment at the Pride night incidents, calling them a setback for hockey. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman defended teams’ actions, stating that the boycotts were not an endorsement of bigotry. He emphasized that choosing not to make a statement on a cause did not necessarily make a person a bigot, and that individuals can pick and choose which social causes are important to them.
Upcoming Pride Nights
As Pride nights approach, the controversies surrounding the events have sparked debates on the intersection of sports, religion, and human rights. While some players and teams have opted out of wearing Pride-themed jerseys, others have embraced the opportunity to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
The Buffalo Sabres, for instance, have planned a series of initiatives to celebrate diversity and inclusion, including a rainbow-themed pregame ceremony, special warmup jerseys, and a donation to a local LGBTQ+ charity. The team’s captain, Jack Eichel, expressed his support for the cause, saying, “I think it’s important to show that we care about everyone and that hockey is for everyone.”
Similarly, the Vancouver Canucks have announced a Pride night that features a pregame ceremony with rainbow tape on players’ sticks, a donation to a local LGBTQ+ organization, and a virtual panel discussion on LGBTQ+ issues in hockey. The team’s Russian player, Nikolay Goldobin, has not publicly commented on his stance on the event.
The NHL’s Response
The NHL has not issued a formal statement on the recent controversies surrounding Pride nights, but the league has emphasized its commitment to diversity and inclusion. In a recent interview with ESPN, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said, “We’re a league that’s open to all. We’re a league that values diversity. We’re a league that values inclusivity. And we’re a league that’s committed to making our sport a welcoming and safe environment for everybody.”
The league has also announced a new initiative, the “Hockey is for Everyone” campaign, aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in hockey. The program includes a series of community events, educational resources, and partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations.
