(Yahoo) The NHL has banned a basic act of solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities, prohibiting teams from using Pride Tape for the 2023-24 season, as first reported by Outsports.
ESPN’s Ryan S. Clark previously reported on Oct. 5 that the NHL sent a memo to all 32 teams clarifying which “special initiatives” they could participate in with Pride Nights falling under this umbrella. The league stated that teams could celebrate whichever initiatives they’d like, as long as it adhered to the dress code.
After seven players opted out of Pride Night initiatives last season, the NHL elected not to wear Pride-centered practice jerseys for the 2023-24 season, with Gary Bettman calling the jerseys “a distraction” from the special interest nights. Other special interest nights such as Military Appreciation Night remain an active part of the league’s calendar.
The NHL has reportedly banned teams from using pride tape per a memo sent to all 32 teams. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)
The makers of pride tape also issued a statement following news of the decision.
“The league has used language in recent days which would prohibit the tape from any proximity to NHL Hockey,” it reads in part. “We hope the league — and teams — will again show commitment to this important symbol of combating homophobia. Many of the players themselves have been exceptional advocates for the tape.”
Statement from the makers of Pride Tape on the NHL banning players from using it this season, as part of the league’s overall ban on “specialty” jerseys. pic.twitter.com/DpOni21oYn
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) October 10, 2023
