For many years, the National Hockey League has participated in theme nights that incorporate special warm-up jerseys into pre-game warm-ups. An end to this practice was announced last offseason following controversy over LGBTQ pride jerseys. The NHL's decision to ban all special jerseys is a mistake and a step back for the sport.
I was shocked to hear the announcement that themed warm-up jerseys would no longer be allowed because it was a unique way for NHL teams to support charities and local communities. Themed warm-up jerseys were a special part of the game because they not only raised awareness for good causes, but they often put the spotlight on local artists. Many teams commissioned artists to design custom jerseys, allowing sports and art to coexist. After the game, the jerseys were typically autographed by players and then auctioned to support charities.
Themed warm-up jerseys have been used to draw attention to a variety of causes and celebrations, from St. Patrick's Day to cancer fundraisers, but everyone knew the decision to drop the practice altogether was due to the negative attention last season's Pride Night received. Since 2013, players have worn rainbow jerseys during warm-ups one night a year to raise money for LGBTQ+ charities.
The bulk of the controversy began on January 18, 2023, when Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov refused to wear a Pride jersey and boycotted the team's warm-up skate on Pride Night. While speaking about his decision, Provorov said he respected everyone's choice, but was firmer in his own decision not to wear the jersey. After Provorov's controversy, many of the team's players decided not to participate in warm-ups, including the Staal brothers. They stated that wearing the jersey goes against their Christian beliefs. The Minnesota Wild went so far as to discontinue pregame warm-ups as a way to protect their players from negative media attention.
This discussion of protections gets much more complicated when you consider the current situation in Russia. The NHL has a large Russian player base, and Russia has been cracking down on the LGBTQ+ community for years under President Vladimir Putin's rule. Those opposed to celebrating pride during pre-game warm-ups want to make it an issue of safety for Russian players, even though they have not faced any consequences in the past.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the decision to do away with all special jerseys was to eliminate distractions, but many interpreted it as a way to draw attention away from players and teams who don't want to take part in Pride celebrations. This explanation became especially compelling after rainbow tape was also banned. Pride tape is a key part of Pride Night warmups and has been banned ahead of the 2023-24 season.
With Pride Month in full swing, let's take a look back at how various teams handled the new rules regarding specialty jerseys.
Some teams have gotten around the rule that themed jerseys cannot be worn on the ice and have their players wear them to the entrance. In my opinion, this is the best way to honor and raise awareness for various causes without facing backlash from the league. Posting the entrance photo on social media can promote the cause while showing your support. Teams can sell the jerseys without the players wearing them, but the excitement for many fans is the attention it brings to the players and, in turn, to the charity involved.
Teams can try to spread a message about diversity, but now that we can speculate on what the NHL thinks on the matter, a lot of it rings hollow. Sports leagues use diversity only to satisfy those who want it, while at the same time making sure that those who don't want to see that message can ignore it. A game that focuses on diversity should spread a message to everyone that everyone is welcome, but if that message is small enough to be ignored, then the league isn't doing a good enough job.
The pride tape ban was lifted after Coyotes player Travis Dermott ignored the rules and wore pride tape during a game. He said he wanted to be a good example because he had seen the impact hatred against the LGBTQ+ community has on those around him. His motivation to be a good example is exactly why the message of diversity in sports is important. It may seem silly that the rainbow tape has meaning, but if at least one kid watching the game feels accepted, that's all that matters.
Jameson Keibler writes primarily about pop culture and current events. [email protected].
