Former NHL executive Brian Burke has expressed strong criticism towards the league’s decision to ban players from using rainbow-colored stick tape to show support for the LGBTQ+ community this season. In a statement posted on social media, Burke, who served as the NHL’s executive vice president and director of hockey operations, argued that the ban on rainbow tape hinders meaningful support for those who face questions about their choices. According to Burke, the directive is neither inclusive nor progressive and represents a serious setback in creating a welcoming environment for all fans.
The NHL recently issued a memo to teams, outlining guidelines for theme celebrations during games. The memo stated that on-ice player uniforms and gear, including stick tape, cannot be altered to reflect theme nights such as Pride, Hockey Fights Cancer, or military appreciation celebrations. Players are allowed to voluntarily participate in themed celebrations off the ice. The ban on rainbow tape has ignited a hot-button issue within the hockey community, with Pride Tape co-founder Kristopher Wells revealing that several NHL players have already expressed their disagreement with the league’s decision. Wells believes that players will find ways to make their own statements in support of the LGBTQ+ community, regardless of the ban.
Brian Burke, a long-time advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and president of the PWHL players’ association, expressed deep disappointment in the NHL’s decision to impede on-ice support for community causes. Having worked in multiple NHL markets for over 35 years, Burke has always prioritized engaging with and supporting local organizations and causes. The You Can Play (YCP) Project, an organization that promotes LGBTQ+ participation in sports and has partnered with the NHL, also criticized the league’s steps backward. The YCP Project stated that the NHL is jeopardizing all the progress made in promoting diversity and inclusion in the sport by eradicating visibility through the elimination of symbols like jerseys and Pride Tape. This decision inhibits the league’s ability to attract more diverse fans and players.
Reasons Behind the Ban and Impact on Uniform Policy
An NHL spokesperson explained that Pride tape had been permitted as an exception to the league’s stick tape restrictions for years. The current ban on Pride tape aims to prevent teams and players from using it as a way to circumvent the new uniform policy. The NHL prohibits stickers and ribbons on player uniforms, although coaches are allowed to wear ribbons. Additionally, the league decided earlier this year that teams would no longer wear theme jerseys during warmups after some players chose to opt out of those situations during Pride night last season. The NHL argued that player opt-outs on Pride nights served as a distraction from the community work that teams were engaged in.
The NHL’s decision to ban rainbow tape has sparked controversy and backlash from advocates for LGBTQ+ rights in the sport. Critics argue that this move undermines the league’s commitment to inclusivity and may discourage diverse fans and players from fully participating. However, despite the ban, many believe that players will find alternative ways to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. The outcry against the ban highlights the importance of fostering an environment in which hockey is truly for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Moving forward, it is essential for the NHL to reassess this decision and consider measures that promote inclusivity and empower players to express their solidarity with marginalized communities.
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