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the Chicago Blackhawks The organization has decided that the team will not be wearing Pride warm jerseys prior to Sunday’s Pride Night home game against the Vancouver Canucks.
The Associated Press reports that the NHL has cited security concerns for several of its Russian players. They may face legal troubles in their country of origin due to a new law that expands restrictions on activities seen as promoting LGBT rights in the country. The Associated Press said the team discussed the matter both inside and outside the organization.
The Blackhawks’ decision followed similar calls by other NHL teams and individual players.
Citing his religious beliefs, San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer last week refused to participate in pre-game activities that required him to wear a Pride-themed jersey. Ivan Provorov of Philadelphia (who is Russian) posted a similar drop in January. The New York Rangers also chose not to wear Pride jerseys or use the Pride Stick as part of their January night, although this plan was announced in advance.
Meanwhile, Russian nationals Nikolai Knygov and Alexander Barabanov wore Pride-themed T-shirts with the rest of their team, the Sharks, on Saturday.
While the T-shirts are cancelled, the Blackhawks are still planning on acknowledging Pride Night.
DJs from the LGBTQ community will play before the game at intermission, and the Chicago Gay Men Choir is also scheduled to perform.
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