The San Jose Sharks are set to host their 'Pride Night' on Saturday and will be donning Pride uniforms in warmup as well as rainbow stick tape. But just hours before puck drop it was revealed that a member of the team will sit out for warmup citing religious reasons.
According to Corey Masisak of The Athletic, Sharks goaltender
James Reimer has decided that he will not participate in warmup on Saturday night and released a statement as to why.
Part of Reimer's statement read: "For all 13 years of my NHL career, I have been a Christian - not just in title, but how I choose to live my life daily. I have personal faith in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for my sins, and in response asks me to love everyone and follow him.
I have no hate in my heart for anyone, and I have always strived to treat everyone that I encounter with respect and kindness. 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 my life."
Reimer joins Philadelphia Flyers defenceman
Ivan Provorov who also decided not to skate in warmup during his team's 'Pride Night' citing religious reasons as well.
