The New York Rangers opted not to wear them before a game in late January. ![]() The Minnesota Wild did the same in early March. The organization said it made the decision after talks with the players, three of whom have Russian heritage. The Chicago Blackhawks decided not to wear the sweaters Sunday, pointing to the same law. The Buffalo Sabres' Ilya Lyubushkin citied his home country's anti-gay laws, fear for his safety and the safety of his family as reasons for not participating in pregame warmups before a Pride Night game this season. “In this specific instance, I am choosing not to endorse something that is counter to my personal convictions, which are based on the Bible, the highest authority in life,” Reimer said in a statement released by the team. Sharks goalie James Reimer also declined to wear a Pride-themed sweater on March 18 and skipped the pregame skate because of religious beliefs. View Gallery: Pekka Rinne statue for Nashville Predators star goalie “We carry no judgement on how people choose to live their lives, and believe that all people should be welcome in all aspects of the game of hockey.” “After many thoughts, prayers and discussions we have chosen not to wear a pride jersey tonight,” the Staal brothers said in a joint statement before their team's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 23. Ditto the Flyers' Ivan Provorov, who cited his Russian Orthodox beliefs. “But I think that’s become more of a distraction now, because the substance of what our teams and we have been doing and stand for is really being pushed to the side for what is a handful of players basically have made personal decisions, and you have to respect that as well.”Ĭiting religious beliefs, brothers Eric and Marc Staal of the Florida Panthers opted not to wear the sweaters and skip pregame warmups before a recent game. “This is one issue where players for a variety of reasons may not feel comfortable wearing the uniform as a form of endorsement. “This is the first time we’ve experienced that, and I think it’s something that we’re going to have to evaluate in the offseason,” Bettman told CTV News in Ottawa on Monday. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said earlier this week the league likely would more closely examine Pride Nights during the offseason. Here's whyĬOVENANT SCHOOL: Shooting hits close to home for Nashville Predators, Ryan McDonaghīRONZE RINNE: How Pekka Rinne soaked in statue unveiling at Bridgestone Arena: 'That thing is massive' SHOULD HE STAY, GO? If I'm Barry Trotz, I'm bringing back John Hynes to Nashville Predators. There also are outreach programs, social media initiatives and donations being made to LGBTQIA+ organizations. Some players use rainbow-colored tape on their sticks to show support. The warmup jerseys are one part of Pride Nights across the league. Predators prospect Luke Prokop, the only openly gay player under contract with an NHL team, recently expressed his disappointment, saying the league has "taken a step back for inclusion." Others have cited fear because of the Russian government's anti-gay law. Some players have opted not to wear the jerseys because of religious beliefs. "I can't speak for anybody else," Sissons said. ![]() When asked his opinion about players and teams who have opted out of wearing the sweaters, Sissons reiterated that it will be part of his pregame wardrobe. View Gallery: Colton Sissons: Nashville Predators forward
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