They will wear LGBTQ+-themed warm-up jerseys and use rainbow tape for their seventh annual Pride Night, following an earlier announcement. New York Rangers The players reversed course.
the team had Andre Thomas, Co-Chair of NYC Pride for the ceremonial puck drop, but he was unaware that the team decided at the last minute on something they had done in previous years.
When asked why he left the jersey, Rangers provided the following statement to Fox News Media:
“Our organization respects the LGBTQ+ community, and we are proud to bring attention to important local community organizations as part of another great Pride night. In keeping with our organization’s core values, we each We support the individual’s right to respectful expression.”
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Igor Shusterkin of the New York Rangers wears a special jersey during warmups in honor of Pride Night prior to their game against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden on May 3, 2021 in New York City.
(Jared Silber / NHLI via Getty Images)
However, the absence of jerseys and tape was a glaring omission for NYC Pride, and the organization issued the following statement to ESPN:
“In recent years, several National Hockey League (NHL) franchises, including the New York Rangers, have launched a series of ‘Pride Nights’ to include the LGBTQ+ community.
“NYC Pride is honored to participate in these celebrations, including most recently last night at Madison Square Garden. NYC Pride was not informed in advance of our participation in last night’s formal puck drop It was announced that the Pride jerseys and rainbow tapes would not be worn as advertised. We understand and appreciate that this has been a huge disappointment to the LGBTQ+ community in New York and beyond.
Rainbow-colored lights are projected onto the roof of Madison Square Garden to celebrate Pride Night before a game between the New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings on January 24, 2022 in New York City.
(Brad Penner/Getty Images)
Rangers bailed for wearing LGBTQ-themed warm-up jerseys on Pride night
“We are communicating these concerns with the NY Rangers and NHL leadership as we continue to discuss ways we can work toward inclusion of these organizations. NYC Pride has a duty to respect our partners. Support and hold them accountable. We are committed to continuing our relationship.” Maintaining solid communication with the NY Rangers and the NHL about meaningful collaboration with them and the LGBTQ+ community.”
a player told new york post He didn’t know why the jersey was not worn. The team contributed to the Ali Forney Center, an agency dedicated to homeless youth in the LGBTQ+ community.
Rangers Pride jerseys have been auctioned off for charity in the last two seasons.
Zack Jones of the New York Rangers skates with a decorated stick in the warmup for “Pride Night” before their game against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden on May 3, 2021 in New York City.
(Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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It arrives in less than two weeks philadelphia flyers Defenseman Ivan Provorov did not wear an LGBTQ-themed jersey during his team’s Pride Night, citing religious beliefs.
“I respect everyone, and I respect everyone’s choice,” Provorov told reporters after the January 17 game. “My choice is to be true to myself and my religion. That’s all I’m going to say.”