The You Can Play Project, an organization that supports inclusion and diversity in sports, particularly for LGBTQ2 athletes, coaches, and fans, is strongly criticizing the NHL’s updated guidelines that ban symbols like Pride Tape. The Pride Tape team, which is backed by You Can Play, expressed its “extreme disappointment” with the league’s decision to exclude Pride Tape from on-ice activities. They believe that many players have been strong advocates for the tape and hope that the NHL and its teams will reaffirm their commitment to combating homophobia by allowing the use of Pride Tape.
Recently, the NHL clarified its regulations on theme celebrations for the upcoming 2023-2024 season. In June, the league decided not to permit team members to wear theme jerseys during warmups after a few players chose not to participate. According to the NHL, these jerseys were seen as a distraction from the community work that teams were engaged in.
David Palumbo, the board chair of You Can Play, emphasized that the community is not a distraction. He argued that labeling it as such or treating it as a special cause is counterproductive. Palumbo stated that the concept is simple—it’s about recognizing the existence of a community without bestowing special treatment or consideration. He emphasized that many kids, especially at early stages of sports, leave because they feel they cannot be themselves or do not belong.
In response to the NHL’s policy decision, You Can Play released a statement asserting that it is not the way forward. They believe that the NHL is stepping back from its previous commitment to inclusivity, unraveling the progress it made in promoting belonging for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. They argue that eradicating symbols like jerseys and Pride Tape hinders efforts to bring in more diverse fans and players to the sport. You Can Play remains encouraged by its work with individual clubs and is striving to maintain vibrant Pride Nights that promote visibility and inclusion throughout the hockey community.
The organization is calling on allies, players, fans, and coaches at all levels of hockey to remind the NHL why this issue matters. It believes that hockey becomes safer and better when everyone feels like they belong.
When asked about the NHL’s decision, two Edmonton Oilers players, Zach Hyman and Connor McDavid, expressed their disappointment. Both players have been vocal in their support of Pride events in the past. Hyman emphasized that it is a league-mandated decision and that the players have no control over it. He stated that he and other players supported various theme nights, including Pride Night, Indigenous Night, and Military Night, but now they can only support them individually. McDavid echoed this sentiment and expressed his enjoyment of all the theme nights, emphasizing that he cannot speak for the league or others. He expressed a desire to see these initiatives reintroduced in the future.
Pride nights, which have been organized by NHL teams for several years to show support for the LGBTQ2 community, sparked debate last season when a few players objected to participating in warmups that included Pride-themed jerseys due to their religious beliefs.
Pride Tape was first introduced with the Edmonton Oilers in 2016 and has since become a symbol of support for the LGBTQ2 community. Now, all 32 NHL teams hold Pride nights, although many do not feature themed jerseys. The Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets refer to their events as “Hockey Is For Everyone” night.
You Can Play’s Palumbo described the NHL’s decision as disappointing and baffling, saying it erodes the trust and progress that has been made. He emphasized the importance of Pride Tape and other symbols of support in making individuals feel seen and valued. Palumbo believes that the visibility of these symbols sends a powerful message to those who may feel like they don’t belong.
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