Former NHL executive Brian Burke criticizes league’s ban on rainbow-colored stick tape in support of LGBTQ+ community.
Burke, former NHL executive vice president and director of hockey operations, expressed disappointment in a social media statement, stating that the ban removes meaningful support and closes a door that has been open for the past decade.
Burke, now president of the PWHL players’ association, stated, “This is not inclusion or progress. Fans look to teams and the league to show they are welcome, and this directive closes a door that’s been open for the last decade. Make no mistake, this is a surprising and serious setback.”
The NHL recently sent a memo to teams clarifying rules for theme celebrations, including a ban on rainbow tape for the Pride nights. The updated guidance states that on-ice player uniforms and gear cannot be altered to reflect theme nights, though players can voluntarily participate in themed celebrations off the ice.
Pride Tape co-founder Kristopher Wells revealed that he had received calls from several NHL players expressing disappointment regarding the league’s decision.
Wells stated, “I would not be surprised at all if you saw an NHL player use Pride Tape, regardless of what the NHL said. I think the players will find a way to make their own statements.”
He added, “We’ve had people from across the hockey world contact us and express their disappointment with this decision. But they remain undeterred that they’re going to continue to find ways to show their support.”
Burke, a long-time advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, expressed his deep disappointment in the NHL’s decision to ban on-ice support for community causes. He emphasized his commitment to engaging with and supporting local organizations and causes.
The You Can Play (YCP) Project, an organization that advocates for LGBTQ+ participation in sports and has partnered with the NHL for the past decade, criticized the league’s decision, stating that it goes against its commitment to inclusion.
An NHL spokesperson explained that Pride tape was previously allowed as an exception but its ban now prevents teams and players from exploiting it to violate the new uniform policy. Stickers and ribbons are also banned from player uniforms, but coaches are allowed to wear ribbons.
The NHL’s decision to prohibit teams from wearing theme jerseys during warmups was made after some players opted out of those situations during Pride night last season, causing distractions from the community work being done.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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