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NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman takes a stand on recent player protests

Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X March 31, 2023
2 1 minute read

This season, a small number of NHL players have gone silent in protest of the league’s LGBTQ+ celebrations.

To promote inclusivity and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, players such as Ivan Provorov, James Reimer, Marc Staal, Eric Staal, and Ilya Lyubushkin have chosen not to wear Pride Night themed warmup jerseys.
While it is each player’s right to support or oppose the issue, it is clear that these protests are having a significant impact on the league’s ability to deliver its message of inclusivity. When someone opts out, the narrative shifts from one of inclusivity and support for sexual orientation and gender identity to one of outright hatred and bigotry, particularly toward the trans community. To be honest, it’s disheartening, and it appears that the NHL is considering discontinuing the celebrations entirely.

“This is the first time we’ve experienced that, and I think it’s something that we’re going to have to evaluate in the offseason,” Bettman told CTV News on Monday in Ottawa.

“This is one issue where players for a variety of reasons may not feel comfortable wearing the uniform as a form of endorsement,” he said.

“But I think that’s become more of a distraction now, because the substance of what our teams and we have been doing and stand for is really being pushed to the side for what is a handful of players basically have made personal decisions, and you have to respect that as well.”

Bettman clarified himself even more yesterday, and he made some really, really important points.

Alison Lukan, NHL insider:

Honestly… I think that’s some sound reasoning by Mr. Bettman, and believe me, I don’t heap praise on him lightly. His remark about “respecting something while not endorsing” is spot on.

Indeed, these silent protests have provided a significant enough distraction from the larger narrative that the NHL is attempting to promote that you have to wonder if it’s all worth it. Why bother if Pride Night only serves as a platform for players and fans to air more bad faith arguments and toxic opinions? It’s an important question to ask at this point. To be honest, I’m not sure it’s worth it…

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy
Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X March 31, 2023
2 1 minute read
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