Following Pride tape ban by NHL, Penguins players weigh options, show LGBTQ+ support

Last week, the NHL circulated a memo to all 32 clubs outlining regulations for theme celebrations this season, specifically regarding player uniforms and gear.

It ruled that for theme nights such as Hockey Fights Cancer, military appreciation celebrations or Pride, on-ice player uniforms and gear cannot be altered.

Included in the ban is rainbow-colored stick tape, which had been popular among players during Pride night celebrations recognizing LGBTQ+ communities.

Early in 2023, controversy arose when Philadelphia’s Ivan Provorov opted not to wear the Flyers’ rainbow-colored Pride-themed warmup jersey before a game in January, citing his Russian Orthodox beliefs.

Afterward, a handful of fellow NHL players went on to express similar reservations, and the Rangers, Wild and Blackhawks scrapped plans to wear Pride warmup jerseys. In June, the NHL decided not to allow teams to wear themed jerseys during warmups.

The league’s new guidelines, and its stick tape ban in particular, have been criticized as non inclusive, particularly towards the LGBTQ+ community.

Former Penguins president of hockey operations Brian Burke, whose career has included six years as the NHL’s executive vice president, called it “a surprising and serious setback.”

Penguins players offered their own reactions and options after practice Thursday.

“It’s just a cause I have family members, friends and everybody — a few other people — who are part of that community,” forward Bryan Rust said. “I’m just trying to show my support for them and tell them I’m by their side and with them.”

Added defenseman Marcus Pettersson: “I was kind of surprised. I think (we’ll) do it as a team on Pride Night, so we’re going to have to find other ways to support the cause, because I think it’s important that we do. So, just find other ways to support it. I think it’s good that Pittsburgh’s doing a Pride Night by itself.”

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, who has sported rainbow-colored tape on his stick in years past, explained his decision to do so.

“Just to show my support, that’s basically it,” Crosby said. “Everyone had the option, and I chose to do that.”

Nedeljkovic ready to work

With the Penguins playing back-to-back games Friday in Washington and Saturday at home vs. Calgary, goalie Alex Nedeljkovic will likely make his first regular-season start of the year this weekend.

A free agent signing this past offseason, Nedeljkovic appeared in three games during the preseason, posting an 0-2-0 record, a 2.47 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage.

“Pretty eager,” Nedeljkovic said. “Just a new season, so excited to play hockey again. It’s been a couple of months. Preseason is what it is. It’s not always that intense, but it’s hard to replicate the real thing. I’m excited, especially with a new group. I didn’t have a preseason game with (a lineup of NHL regulars) either. Hopefully, I can have a good outing this weekend.”

Full bill of health

The Penguins practiced at their facility in Cranberry on Thursday before traveling to Washington for Friday’s game against the Capitals. All players were accounted for, and the club made no alterations to the lines and defensive pairings utilized Tuesday vs. Chicago.