The National Hockey League has reportedly reversed a prohibition, i.e. ban on Pride tape, which was a topic of contention between the hockey players and the LGBTQ+ campaigners and proponents in the sport.
According to ESPN, the league announced on Tuesday, "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,"
In June, the NHL said that the teams cannot be allowed to wear “specialty" jerseys during practices, warm-ups, or games that extend the benefit to causes related to pride or the military.
The ban also included the rainbow-coloured tape that has been utilized throughout many seasons. This was done in support of members of the LGBTQIA+ community. ESPN was informed by the league that the ban on teams and players using the tape was to prevent them from using it as an “end-around" in terms of uniform violations.
Subsequently, with the ban, the NHL garnered huge attention globally and NHL superstar Connor McDavid, who is the winner of the Hart Trophy three times, came forward and challenged the rule publicly.
He said, "I"ve expressed disappointment in not being able to wear the various jersey or the tapes … whether that"s Pride tape or pink tape,"
“Is it something that I"d like to see back into place one day? Certainly."
Defenseman Travis Dermott of the Arizona Coyotes created history as he became the first player in the NHL to use pride tape on his stick. His act came in defiance of the prohibition that was imposed.
Regarding his opposing act, he stated, "It"s not like I"m shutting up and going away,"
“I know more questions are going to be coming. We"re just going to be as prepared as we can be to just spread love. That"s the thing. It"s gay pride that we"re talking about, but it could be men"s health. It could be any war. It"s just wanting world peace. Everyone"s got to love each other a little bit more."
As per ESPN, the top organizations involving the NHL were in talks regarding the upcoming pride tape issue. Later, the news came that the NHL is now thinking about changing its policy.
Brock McGillis, who is the founder of Alphabet Sports Collective and was also a former pro hockey player, stated, "I"m a big believer in freedom of choice. While I might have been disappointed, I didn"t criticize any players for not wearing a [Pride] jersey, because that"s their right to choose. I think it should be a player"s right to use the tape they want to, that"s been sanctioned by the NHL for years. For me, this is a big win for freedom of choice,"
That said, we need to get back to a point where we"re focused on informed decision making and recognizing impact."
As per AP News, Washington Capitals player Trevor van Riemsdyk has been associating himself with the cause for a long time and is an extended user of pride tape as well.
In light of the restrictions, he mentioned that the players could find innovative ways to support social causes. The social cause has been readily defending itself in a longstanding fight against homophobia. With the ban, their causes were profoundly affected.
Van Riemsdyk said, "There’s still a lot we can do and a lot of ways we can make people feel welcome and included, so hopefully that doesn’t deter guys,"
"A lot of guys, maybe this will just spur them forward to maybe make it more of a point to do things, whether it’s away from the rink or whatever it may be."
The reversal was described as “a win for us all" by the You Can Play Project, an organization that supports LGBTQ+ athletes and has been associated with and worked with the NHL for ten years.
We are so very grateful to everyone who believes hockey should be a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all. We are extremely happy that NHL players will now have the option to voluntarily represent important social causes with their stick tape throughout season. @nhl @NHLPA pic.twitter.com/XjmQUZkMbD
— Pride Tape (@PrideTape) October 24, 2023
The organization also expressed, "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 this change and appreciate the NHL’s willingness to listen and make the right choice."
