When Travis Dermott takes the ice in Los Angeles on Tuesday night, he plans to do so without the strip of Pride tape that made headlines over the weekend. “I think the one game probably ruffled enough feathers and got enough attention,” Dermott told The Athletic. But this doesn’t mean Dermott is being silenced or deterred. Two days after wrapping Pride tape around his stick in defiance of a new NHL rule, Dermott has yet to be contacted directly by league officials. However, he believes his point has been made and there are still other ways for him to continue supporting LGBTQ+ causes.
Dermott didn’t consult with management or his peers before using the rainbow-colored tape during a recent game against the Anaheim Ducks, as it’s something he has regularly done since his days in the AHL. Despite being aware of the new NHL regulations, he felt it was important to show support for a cause and community close to his heart. Dermott’s act of LGBTQ+ allyship gained substantial attention, but it’s worth noting that he did this at a time when he’s fighting to re-establish himself in the league.
Dermott openly acknowledges experiencing some anxiety after the game, as he didn’t anticipate the significant reaction it would receive. However, the support from his team, the Arizona Coyotes, helped alleviate his concerns. He did apologize to the equipment staff for not informing them about using the Pride tape, but they understood his intentions were not malicious.
Moving forward, Dermott is exploring ways to support Pride initiatives while adhering to the new NHL rules. The Coyotes are hosting their Pride night soon, and he is working on his own plans to mark the occasion. Dermott intends to be more active on Instagram and find alternative ways to continue the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Dermott’s passion for supporting the LGBTQ+ community is evident, and he believes it’s crucial for players to express themselves while understanding opposing viewpoints. He has met many people in the community and has seen the positive impact of his actions firsthand. The overwhelming support he received further emphasized the importance of spreading love through athletes’ platforms.
Overall, Dermott’s act of defiance has brought attention to LGBTQ+ causes in the NHL. While he won’t be using Pride tape in his next game, he remains committed to fighting for equality and finding ways to continue supporting the community he cares about deeply.
