Nhl

Citing his religious beliefs, San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer has declined to participate in pregame activities on Saturday night that would require him to wear a promotional “Pride” themed jersey. Reimer issued a statement that said he “always strived to treat everyone with respect” and that members of the LGBTQ community should be welcome in hockey. “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. The goalie is the second NHL player to refuse wearing Pride gear. Philadelphia’s Ivan Provorov made a similar decline in January. The New York Rangers also opted not to wear Pride jerseys or use Pride stick tape as part of their night in January, despite previously advertising that plan. The Sharks said in a statement that they are proud to host Pride Night, saying the event reinforces the team’s commitment to inclusiveness. “As … [Read more...] about Second NHL Player Refuses To Wear Pride-Themed Jersey In Support Of LGBTQ+ Community

The Chicago Blackhawks organization has decided that the team will not wear Pride warmup jerseys before Sunday’s Pride Night home game against the Vancouver Canucks. The Associated Press reported that the NHL team cited security fears for its several Russian players. They could face legal problems in their native country because of a new law that expands restrictions on activities seen as promoting LGBTQ rights in the country. The AP said the team discussed the matter within the organization and outside of it. The decision by the Blackhawks follows similar calls made by another NHL team and individual players. Citing his religious beliefs, San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer last weekend declined to participate in pregame activities that would require him to wear a Pride-themed jersey. Philadelphia’s Ivan Provorov (who is Russian) made a similar decline in January. The New York Rangers also opted not to wear Pride jerseys or use Pride stick tape as part of their night … [Read more...] about NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks Will Not Wear Pride Jerseys, Citing Russian Law Fears

Getty UPDATE 10:44 AM PT -- The Blackhawks said the NHL made the decision to prevent the org. from wearing Pride-themed warm-up jerseys ... after discussions with security officials. UPDATE Chicago coach Luke Richardson called the move "an unfortunate situation" -- adding, "that’s just what we have to deal with." UPDATE "I don’t think we can control the world issues, so that takes it out of our hands," Richardson said. "We’re just making decisions as best we can as an organization and for everybody.” The Chicago Blackhawks will not wear Pride-themed warm-up jerseys for Pride Night on Sunday, according to a report ... citing security concerns for their Russian players after the country passed an anti-LGBTQ law making it illegal to promote "gay propaganda" in Russia. According to the Associated Press , the Blackhawks -- who've worn Pride warmup jerseys before -- ultimately decided against wearing the jerseys this season for the April 12 … [Read more...] about Blackhawks Reportedly Won’t Wear Pride Warm-Ups Over Security Concerns For Players