Insider Reveals Why NHL Teams Are Scrapping 'Pride' Plans
Multiple NHL clubs have scrapped their plans to don 'Pride' warm-up jerseys; the Philadelphia Flyers started it when D Ivan Provorov opted out, followed shortly after by both New York clubs and then the Minnesota Wild.
The decisions outraged the affected demographic and others who feel these indiscretions are simply a spit in the face of the idea of inclusivity and acceptance.
In reality, however, there is a deeper story. Some things are bigger than hockey, and certain things are truly too big to ignore. In this case, it's the Russian government which shoulders the responsibility.
According to Michael Russo and a cadre of writers for The Athletic, teams are scrapping 'Pride' plans so as to protect their high-profile Russian players from possible persecution. For anyone who doesn't know, homosexuality and all LGBTQ+ 'propaganda' are illegal in Russia and considered jailable offenses. Ipso facto, sporting 'Pride' themed clothing could land these players in hot water when they return home.
NHL teams have been scrapping plans to wear Pride jerseys and continue to struggle with what to do on Pride Nights in the wake of Russia's strengthened anti-gay propaganda laws.
Why the Wild became the latest team to do sohttps://t.co/M5eP5dwNGP pic.twitter.com/zOuoc9A7ow The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 10, 2023
While it is hardly an ideal scenario, clubs placing their players' interests and safety at the top of their priority list is totally understandable. To some, at least. It seems foreign to those of us in the 'free West,' but not every corner of the world puts the same emphasis on civil liberties that we do.
Ipso facto, don't be shocked when more and more clubs scrap pre-scheduled Pride plans.
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| G | A | PTS | ||
| Brett Howden | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Shayne Gostisbehere | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Mitch Marner | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Mark Jankowski | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Seth Jarvis | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Jordan Staal | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Logan Stankoven | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Mark Stone | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Sebastian Aho | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Ivan Barbashev | - | 1 | 1 | |
| William Carrier | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Noah Hanifin | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Tomas Hertl | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Eric Robinson | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Andrei Svechnikov | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Frederik Andersen | - | - | - | |
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