![]() ![]() “We have had a long and proud history of hosting Pride events and we look forward to another incredible evening on March 31 to raise awareness and support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community,” the statement said. Vancouver has worn Pride warm-up jerseys in previous years, but the team has yet to reveal whether the tradition will continue, saying in a statement Tuesday that details on different elements of the night will be released “closer to the date.” The Canucks are set to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community on Friday when they host the Flames. “I think all it signifies is everything is accepted,” said the veteran bench boss. Coach Darryl Sutter said the uniforms haven’t been an issue for the team. ![]() The Calgary Flames are set to wear Pride jerseys designed by a local LGBTQ artist when they host the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday. “I know here in Edmonton, we strongly believe hockey is for everyone and strongly support Pride night,” said captain Connor McDavid. “To show that we care and that we’re ready and willing to include them in our game and in our sport is incredibly important to me.”Įdmonton has not worn themed jerseys for its Pride games, but players used rainbow stick tape during warm-ups ahead of its annual celebration Saturday. On the contrary, I think it’s extremely important to be open and welcoming to that greater community, just because they’re a minority and they’ve faced a lot of persecution over the years. “It doesn’t go against any of my beliefs. If I were in that position, I would wear one,” said Oilers forward Zach Hyman. Other NHL teams have continued with big Pride celebrations, with high-profile players speaking out in support. That player is further in the closet today.” “I’m telling you that because I was that player. “That player believes that those teammates hate him,” he said. The New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks all decided not to don Pride warm-up jerseys for their celebratory games.Ĭloseted hockey players are hurt by these decisions, McGillis said. Buffalo Sabres defenceman Ilya Lyubushkin said Monday he was opting out due to concerns of retribution in his home country of Russia. San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer, and Eric and Marc Staal, who both play for the Florida Panthers, said earlier this month they wouldn’t wear their team’s rainbow-themed uniforms in warm-ups due to their religious beliefs. Others around the league have followed suit. In mid-January, Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Ivan Provorov sat out warm-ups - and declined to wear a Pride jersey - citing his Russian Orthodox religion. So by getting young adults and adults out there, the exposure itself will hopefully help people critically think about what they’re doing and the impact it has on people they know.” ![]() We lack exposure in this world, we lack identities in this world. “The more people are exposed to those that are different than themselves, the more likely they are to not judge, not be anti-LGBTQ+. ![]() “I think (the Pride night controversy) is just a testament that we have to build up community and work with our members to feel good,” said McGillis, who played in the Ontario Hockey League, the United Hockey League and in the Netherlands. VANCOUVER - NHL players refusing to participate in Pride nights around the league shows hockey still isn’t safe for a number of LGBTQ people, says one of the first male professional players to publicly come out as gay.īrock McGillis is working to change the sport he loves through a new non-profit, Alphabet Sports Collective, which looks to make hockey safer for people of all sexualities and gender identities. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |