The NHL says players are free to decide which of their team's initiatives they support.
The league's statement comes a day after Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Ivan Provorov refused to participate in his team's Pride Night. Provorov didn't warm up with his teammates ahead of Philadelphia's game against the Anaheim Ducks because of his Russian Orthodox beliefs.
“Hockey is for Everyone is the umbrella initiative under which the league encourages clubs to celebrate the diversity that exists in their respective markets, and to work to achieve more welcoming and inclusive environments for all fans," reads the NHL statement. "Clubs decide whom to celebrate, when and how — with league counsel and support.
"Players are free to decide which initiatives to support, and we continue to encourage their voices and perspectives on social and cultural issues.” The Flyers wore Pride-themed jerseys and used sticks wrapped in rainbow tape during their pre-game activities. The sticks and jerseys are being auctioned off by Flyers Charities, with proceeds going toward their efforts to grow the game in diverse communities."I respect everybody's choices," Provorov said after the game. "My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That's all I'm going to say.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NHL says players can decide what causes to support after Provorov boycotts Flyers’ Pride nightPhiladelphia Flyers defenceman Ivan Provorov says he didn’t warm up with teammates ahead of his team’s Pride Night because of his Russian Orthodox beliefs
Read more »
NHL: Players can decide what causes to support after Provorov opts out of Pride nightThe league’s statement comes a day after Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Ivan Provorov refused to participate in his team’s Pride Night.
Read more »
Flyers defenceman Provorov cites religion for boycott on Pride nightPhiladelphia defenceman Ivan Provorov refuses to wear Pride-themed jersey during Flyers’ pre-game warm-ups
Read more »
Flyers' Ivan Provorov cites religion for boycott on Pride nightFlyers\u0027 Ivan Provorov cited his religion as the reason he did not participate in pregame warmups when the team wore Pride\u002Dthemed jerseys.
Read more »
Flyers defenceman Ivan Provorov boycotts warm-ups against Ducks to avoid wearing Pride-themed jerseysOn a night the Philadelphia Flyers designed to be about celebrating love and inclusion, the conversation turned instead to the one person who refused to wear the Pride-themed warm-up jerseys.
Read more »