Less than a week before the team is scheduled to host the first Pride Night of the NHL regular season, Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott gave league officials something to ponder.
On Saturday night, Dermot wrapped rainbow tape on the end of his stick during the club’s 2-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks at Mallett Arena, publicly defying the NHL’s ban on Pride tape this season. He became the first player.
When asked if Dermott would face fines or disciplinary action for his actions, the NHL said: The Athletic The statement said the matter would be “considered accordingly.”
As part of a decision made by the league board in June, players will be prohibited from using Pride-themed tape or expressing support for special initiatives on the ice this season. There is. However, it is unclear whether, if any, players will face additional discipline if they break the ban.
The NHLPA has not yet publicly weighed in on the matter and has declined all opportunities to comment since the story broke earlier this month.
Dermott’s Coyotes will host the first Pride Night of the NHL’s regular season on October 30th, when they will take on the Los Angeles Kings.
On Saturday evening, Jeff McLean, one of Pride Tape’s co-founders, said: The Athletic Dermot said he ordered a shipment of new tape from his company last week, intending to use it regularly throughout the 2023-24 season.
Mr McLean said Mr Dermot’s decision to use the tape on Saturday sent a strong message to the LGBTQ+ community.
“It means everything. It’s so incredibly powerful,” MacLean said. “We know from history how important these visual messages are, as wrapping tape on the ice for warm-ups is prohibited. One person alone can accomplish something powerful. It is.”
Former NHL general manager Brian Burke, a staunch LGBTQ+ advocate in hockey, posted a message to X on Saturday night praising Dermot’s comments.
“Travis continues to be a courageous leader of the LGBTQ+ ally,” Burke wrote. “I hope other players will follow his example.”
And indeed, Dermot may be the first of many players to take this action. Earlier this month, Minnesota Wild defenseman Jon Merrill said: The Athletic He said he was open to using Pride tape despite the ban.
“What’s the league going to do?” Merrill said. “Can you take me off the ice? Give me a penalty? That makes it look bad for the league. I don’t know. It’s frustrating. It’s just disappointing.”
Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton also told reporters He is considering putting Pride tape on the sticks when his team holds its annual Pride Night on January 10th.
“You’re going to see me on the Pride tape that night anyway,” Lawton said on Oct. 11.
In particular, the NHL’s rules regarding Pride Night drew attention last season as some players took issue with participating in Pride Night. Multiple players and teams have chosen not to wear Pride warm-up jerseys, citing religious reasons or safety concerns.
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(Photo: Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images)
