We hope the league - and teams - will again show commitment to this important symbol of combating homophobia."Īccording to ESPN, the NHL sent an updated memo to the teams last Thursday clarifying that the restrictions imposed by the initial document apply only to on-ice activities.Ī source within the league told ESPN that "players should be encouraged to express themselves off the ice" and have the ability to "celebrate and support" specialty causes such as Black History Night, Hockey Fights Cancer Night, Military Appreciation Night and Pride Night. "The league has used language in recent days which would prohibit the tape from any proximity to NHL Hockey. "The Pride Tape team is extremely disappointed by the NHL's decision to eliminate Pride Tape from any league on-ice activities," Pride Tape's Instagram post reads. The document drew pushback from LGBT advocates, including the company Pride Tape, which makes rainbow-colored tape that hockey players have placed on their hockey sticks in the past to celebrate the LGBT community on team-hosted LGBT pride nights. "A factor that may be included 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)," the memo added. The memo explained that players can't wear any specialty sweaters during games, warmups and official practices.Ī portion of the memo, obtained by ESPN, stated, "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." The National Hockey League will no longer allow players to put rainbow-colored tape on their hockey sticks in honor of the LGBT community, according to a guidance sent to teams before the new season.ĮSPN reported Thursday that the NHL sent a memo titled "Game and Practice-Related Special Initiatives" to all teams two weeks ago. Pride Tape is seen on an NHL player's stick during warmups.
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