In a broad stride towards inclusion and support for social causes, the National Hockey League (NHL) has recently lifted its previous prohibition on the use of stick tape symbolizing various social causes, predominantly the Pride rainbow tape. This policy alteration, divulged on a Tuesday statement, allows players to present their stand on social matters via their stick tape throughout the ongoing season.
This resolution, as explained by the league itself, is the result of comprehensive consultations with the NHL Players’ Association and the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition. However, there was no corresponding amendment in the rules pertaining to jerseys and other playing gear.
A memo sent out by the league to the teams earlier this month reiterated the ban on modifying on-ice gear during warm-up sessions and official team practices to portray theme nights. The first player to break this order, Arizona Coyotes defenceman Travis Dermott, attracted attention when he opted for Pride tape on his hockey stick over the weekend.
Applauding Dermott’s courageous move, Dr. Kristopher Wells, the co-founder of Pride Tape, expressed his gratitude on a popular social media platform, formerly known as Twitter. He asserted that it was Dermott’s bravery that shattered the ban, underlining that societal change is impossible without the backing of allies.
The rule against rainbow-coloured tape emerged in the wake of substantial critique last season, when a few players decided not to don Pride-themed jerseys. This was seen as a lack of support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Consequently, the NHL announced in June that themed uniforms would no longer be allowed during warm-ups, which previously included series like Pride nights, Hockey Fights Cancer, and military appreciation celebrations.
The previous ban on Pride tape stirred disappointment across the league, with notable players like Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly expressing their displeasure. Rielly, vocal in his dismay earlier this month, vowed to continue active participation and support for inclusive community groups.
In the immediate aftermath of the ban’s rescindment, Wells, the co-founder of Pride Tape, shared that numerous NHL players ordered the rainbow-coloured tape from his company. Meanwhile, former NHL executive and supporter of 2SLGBTQ+ community in hockey, Brian Burke, expressed his criticism of the NHL’s initial decision on Pride tape, tagging it as a serious setback, and depriving teams and players of a powerful way to support causes they care about.
Conversely, this move was significant considering there are no current or former NHL players who have publicly declared themselves to be gay. Individual teams like the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, and Chicago Blackhawks made the choice not to have any players don Pride jerseys during warm-ups.
Despite the varying opinions, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman emphasized the league’s goals, values, and intentions to respect individual choices while continuing to be diverse and welcoming. He asserted the importance of understanding differences while nurturing an environment where everyone feels comfortable supporting the causes they care about.
