Travis Dermott, a hockey player for the Arizona Coyotes, recently made headlines for becoming the first player to defy the NHL’s Pride Tape ban.
Travis Dermott became the first player to defy the NHL’s Pride Tape ban. As soon as the ban was reported before the season, Dermott reached out to Pride Tape officials and ordered some rolls, @KristopherWells tells @FOS. https://t.co/iOuCDCHBCX
— A.J. Perez (@byajperez) October 22, 2023
The ban, which was reported before the start of the 2023-24 NHL season, prohibited the use of rainbow-colored stick tape for Pride nights.
Dermott, however, reached out to Pride Tape officials as soon as the ban was announced and ordered several rolls of the tape.
During his team’s 2-1 win against the Anaheim Ducks, Dermott was seen using the Pride Tape on his stick.
This act of defiance has garnered attention from both fans and the league itself.
It remains unclear whether Dermott will be disciplined or fined for his actions, as the NHL is currently reviewing the matter.
Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott used Pride tape on his stick in a game against the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday.
When asked if Dermott would be fined or otherwise disciplined, the NHL told The Athletic in a statement: “We will review it in due course." ⤵️
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) October 22, 2023
The ban on Pride Tape has sparked controversy, with many players and hockey figures speaking out against it.
Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Scott Laughton has been vocal about his intention to use the tape despite the ban.
Additionally, Brian Burke, a longtime hockey executive, offered to pay any fine issued to a player who wore the tape.
"I don't understand it. I still have to believe there's a chance the rule is rescinded." @reporterchris weighs in on the NHL's ban on Pride Tape. #CJShow
🎧: https://t.co/HpdjYzdfyc
📺: https://t.co/w8dBXE08od pic.twitter.com/2C0CzbL3IQ— sdpn (@sdpnsports) October 13, 2023
Travis Dermott’s journey in professional hockey started when he was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round (34th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft.
As a defenseman, he spent five seasons with the team, accumulating 12 goals and 40 assists in 251 games.
However, on March 20, 2022, Dermott was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a third-round draft pick.
Later on, July 12, he signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Arizona Coyotes.
