(New York) The NHL has reversed its decision to prohibit players from showing their support for various social causes on the ice, including by applying multi-colored ribbon to the blade of their stick, to mark Pride Night .
The league indicated in a press release Tuesday that players will now have the opportunity to support certain social causes by applying multi-colored ribbon to the blade of their stick throughout the season.
The NHL’s statement, which was released after consulting with the Players’ Association and the NHL Players’ Coalition for Inclusion, did not specify whether this directive also applied to jerseys and other clothing. ‘equipment.
“We are very grateful to those who believe that hockey should be a welcoming, inclusive and safe sport for all,” the makers of the multi-colored tape said on social media. We are extremely pleased to know that NHL players will now be able to show their support for a social cause that is close to their hearts by applying multi-colored ribbon to the blade of their stick, for the remainder of the season. »
Players from across the NHL – including Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly – had expressed disappointment over the league’s decision to ban the multi-colored ribbon in support of the cause of Pride.
Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott was the first player to challenge the decision by applying multi-colored tape to his stick over the weekend.
Earlier this month, the league sent a memo to its teams to define what players can and cannot do on special occasions this season.
The new directive emphasized that the uniform and pieces of equipment that players will wear on the ice, whether during warm-up periods or official training sessions, cannot be modified in order to highlight their support for a social cause.
Brian Burke, the general director of the Players’ Association of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (AJLPHF), then indicated on social networks that he was “very disappointed” with the league’s decision.
The 68-year-old had stressed that this directive would prevent players and teams from sending a strong message of support for various causes close to their hearts, in order to protect a handful of players “who do not want to answer questions about their choices.”
The NHL found itself in the hot seat last season after some players refused to don special jerseys to mark Pride Night, and it decided in June to ban teams from wearing special uniforms during warm-up periods.
The Bettman circuit alleged that the players who refused to participate in the Pride evening undermined the work that the teams do in their respective communities.
Burke is a strong supporter of the LGBTQ community in hockey. In 2012, he helped establish the You Can Play Project in memory of his son Brendan, who died in a road accident in 2010. This initiative aims to eradicate homophobia in sports.
