The NHL has recently decided to ban players from wrapping their sticks with Pride Tape, which has started an uproar and sparked plenty of debate/controversy. The company that makes the tape is “extremely disappointed” with the NHL’s decision to ban the usage of their tape from “any league on-ice activities” in a statement they released regarding the matter.
Multiple high-profile NHL players, including Calgary Flames’ left wing Jonathan Huberdeau (who was the first NHL player to use Pride Tape in an NHL game), expressed their support of giving the players the right to use it. Edmonton Oilers star center Connor McDavid spoke out when the NHL banned teams from wearing Pride jerseys in warmups. McDavid called the ban “disappointing” and wants the NHL to reverse it.
The NHL is attempting to mitigate the outside noise and potential distractions that come with raising awareness for controversial topics such as the LGBTQ+ community and focusing solely on the sport of hockey being played. Can the players not focus on hockey while also raising awareness and support for what they believe in? Are the two mutually exclusive?
It’s very strange to see the NHL take away the opportunity for players to express themselves and respect their fans who may be a part of the LGBTQ+ community or any other social cause. Despite the NHL’s decision to ban wrapping sticks with pride tape, the Oilers released a statement of support announcing that they will still host their annual pride night on Jan. 18 when the Oilers face the Seattle Kraken.
