Morgan Rielly Stands Up for Former Teammate Amid Pride Controversy

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Tom Banks
October 24, 2023 (12:48)

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The NHL world was shocked a few weeks ago when Commissioner Gary Bettman banned the use of pride tape around the league, but the belief was that many players were going to ignore that rule when the season began.

Travis Dermott

Then, in the Arizona Coyotes latest game, veteran defenseman Travis Dermott became the first player to officially use the tape, as he was seen with some on the shaft of his stick, rather than the blade.

While the NHL have commented that this is under review, we've heard little from them about the situation, but the belief around the league remains that Dermott has much support, and won't be the only one to do it going forward.

A former teammate stands up for Dermott

When asked about the situation, former Dermott teammate Morgan Rielly stood firmly in his corner when he had this to say:

If you look back at pictures, he's always done that.... Whenever you're asked not to do something and you do it anyway, it takes a little bit of courage, and I support him. I think it's a good move by him.

Ultimately, it's just a matter of time until we see other players follow in his footsteps, but for a player making less than $1 million per year who is off contract next summer, it took plenty of courage to do this, and it's good to see other players are following in his footsteps.

BREAKING: The First NHL Player To Wear Pride Tape Revealed