Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop, the primary brazenly homosexual participant beneath NHL contract, lately spoke out about a number of Pride Night controversies across the league.
Between particular person gamers and full groups selecting to not put on particular pride-themed warmup jerseys, the NHL has taken some criticism for its dealing with of these occasions. In the most recent instance, San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer selected to not partake in warmups on Pride Night, citing his non secular beliefs.
In the wake of those occasions, Prokop launched a press release wherein he stated it was “disheartening” that groups are now not “totally embracing” Pride Nights. Prokop emphasised the significance of these nights because it pertains to rising inclusivity within the sport of hockey.
“I share the frustration in what looks like a step again for inclusion within the NHL,” Prokop wrote. “Pride nights and pleasure jerseys play an essential position in selling respect and inclusion for the LBTQIA+ neighborhood, and it is disheartening to see some groups now not sporting them or not totally embracing their significance, whereas the main target of others has grow to be in regards to the gamers who aren’t taking part somewhat than the which means of the night time itself.”
Prokop was a third-round decide within the 2020 NHL Draft, and he got here out publicly in July 2021. Prokop stated he informed the Predators about his sexual orientation earlier than the crew drafted him, and crew president Sean Henry stated the group would be sure that Prokop at all times feels comfy in Nashville.
In a press release launched by Reimer earlier than Saturday’s sport in opposition to the New York Islanders, the goaltender stated sporting the Pride Night warmup jersey would run counter to his Christian beliefs.
“I’ve no hate in my coronary heart for anybody, and I’ve at all times strived to deal with everybody that I encounter with respect and kindness,” Reimer stated in his assertion. “In this particular occasion, I’m selecting to not endorse one thing that’s counter to my private convictions that are primarily based on the Bible, the best authority in my life.”
Back in January, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov selected to not put on a Pride Night jersey in warmups, and the Minnesota Wild and New York Rangers have each scrapped Pride Night plans that included pride-themed jerseys.
According to a report from The Athletic, there was some concern across the league that there could possibly be repercussions for Russian gamers who put on pride-themed jerseys as a result of new anti-gay legal guidelines handed by the nation.
