CBS News reports the National Hockey League (NHL) has reversed its decision to ban Pride Tape and other cause-oriented displays by the players on the ice. In recent months, the NHL sent out a series of memos to all 32 teams about how to handle “specialty nights.” The new policies included a ban on special warmup jerseys (like rainbow Pride jerseys) and the use of Pride Tape – the rainbow-colored tape used to express support for the LGBTQ community on Pride Nights. Since the official announcement of the ban, however, the NHL front office has apparently heard from multiple hockey-related groups that recommended rescinding the ban that silenced the individual voices of players. https://twitter.com/PR_NHL/status/1716871908430610885 The NHL said in a statement: “After consultation with the NHL Players Association and the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition, Players will now have the option to voluntarily represent social causes with their stick tape throughout the season.” This follows reports that this past Saturday, October 21, Travis Dermott of the Arizona Coyotes used Pride tape despite the NHL ban. From CBS News:
Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott became the first player to defy the NHL’s memo banning Pride Tape when he used it on the shaft of his stick in the team’s 2-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday.
Dermott has since explained his decision and why going against the league’s policy was so important to him. In an interview with The Athletic, Dermott said he was going to ask for forgiveness instead of seeking permission.
“None of the players really saw me put it on my stick,” Dermott said. “It was kind of just an, ‘All right, I’m doing this, and we’re going to deal with the consequences and move forward, and hopefully I’ll have a positive impact on some people that needed that positive impact.'”
https://twitter.com/MikeBeauvais/status/1716852810438914222 Hudson Taylor, founder and executive director of Athlete Ally issued a statement praising the decision to rescind the Pride tape ban:
“Athlete Ally is thrilled that the NHL has listened to the voices of hockey players and fans who want to see the sport they deeply love allow them to celebrate who they are, and what they care about.
“On-ice support for Pride, cancer awareness, military appreciation and other themed celebrations allow players to spread awareness and galvanize action on the issues that matter to them.
“Especially in a sport where we see so few out players, supporting Pride is a way for teams and players to signal their allyship loud and clear.
“Hockey will only become more inclusive when players, teams, coaches and fans have the power to change the culture of their sport.”
The league ban on Pride tape had already been opposed by players, former players, members of the media, fans, LGBTQ individuals and organizations like You Can Play, Alphabet Sports Collective, and more. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyyf5VMAbL7/ You Can Play board member David Palumbo wrote in a statement on Instagram:
“The NHL’s policy reconsideration and reinstating the players’ ability to support the LGBTQ+ community in hockey is a win for us all.”
“Actively welcoming communities into hockey is imperative to keep the sport strong now and into the future.
“We appreciate every person, team and organization that made their voice heard to support his change, and appreciate the NHL’s willingness to listen and make the right choice.”
By the way, you can follow Travis Dermott on Instagram here. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaVCX24u2Xc/
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