NHL Makes Things Clear About Pride
The NHL has found itself in a major controversy over specialty jerseys in the last year. This is particularly true for pride-themed jerseys after many players refused to wear pride warmup jerseys last season. Today the NHL laid out exactly what their policy is toward pride nights and the players' involvement.
NHL Takes A Stance On Pride Nights
The NHL has found itself in the middle of the pride night conversation again after NHL teams felt the regulations of what is and is not allowed on such nights going forward was ambiguous. Now the NHL has come forward and clarified all of the things that are now outlawed when it comes to pride night.
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The NHL has issued a league-wide ban on �Pride Tape', which was rainbow coloured hockey tape some players used by choice. Players are no longer permitted to have rainbow tape on their sticks in practices, warmups or games. Unlike the warmup jerseys that were recently banned, the stick tape was completely optional.
«Outsports has learned that the NHL has issued a league-wide ban of Pride Tape on the ice with the players during warm-ups, games and even practices. A league spokesperson has confirmed this change in policy with Outsports.»
The NHL was also forced to clarify a memo sent to every team recently after some expressed confusion. The main part that had teams unsure was:
«Players shall not be put in the position of having to demonstrate (or where they may be appearing to demonstrate) personal support for any Special Initiatives. A factor that may be considered in this regard includes, for example, whether a Player (or Players) is required to be in close proximity to any groups or individuals visibly or otherwise clearly associated with such Special Initiative(s).»
This is a major and divisive statement from the NHL that is sure to spark controversy around the hockey world.
Players Not Allowed To Show Support On Pride Nights
As of now, these rules mean that unlike in previous years players who would like to are not able to show their support for pride initiatives or other special causes. Pride tape had been thought to be a bridge between the gap of players who did not want to be involved and players who did.
Players wanting to show support could wear the tape if they choose to while other players are not forced to use the tape. It would not be mandated or as obvious who is involved or not involved.
Instead, the NHL has decided to do away with all modes of support on Pride Night specifically along with other nights as well. As the season goes on it will be worth monitoring to see if players find loopholes to show their support for things such as pride nights.
| POLL | ||
Are these policies too restrictive on the players? | ||
| Yes | 210 | 54.3 % |
| No | 177 | 45.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
