After earlier promoting their seventh annual Pride Night that they would wear LGBTQ+ themed pre-match jerseys and use rainbow ribbon, the New York Rangers players reversed course.
The team had NYC Pride co-chairman Andre Thomas for the ceremonial puck drop, but little did he realize the team had made a last-minute decision on something it had done in previous years.
When asked why they took off the shirts, Rangers gave the following explanation to Fox News Media:
“Our organization respects the LGBTQ+ community and we are proud to bring important local community organizations to the attention of another great Pride Night. In line with the core values of our organization, we support the individual right of each individual to express their beliefs with respect.”
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Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers wears a special jersey during warm ups in honor of Pride Night before a game against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden on May 3, 2021 in New York City. (Jared Silver/NHLI via Getty Images)
However, the absence of the jerseys and tape was a glaring omission for NYC Pride, and the organization released the following statement to ESPN:
“In recent years, numerous National Hockey League (NHL) franchises, including the New York Rangers, have introduced a series of ‘Pride Nights’ to engage the LGBTQ+ community.
“NYC Pride was honored to be a part of these celebrations, including just last night at Madison Square Garden. NYC Pride was not advised prior to our attendance at the puck drop ceremony last night that Pride jerseys and rainbow ribbon would not be included Worn as advertised We understand and appreciate this is a huge disappointment to the LGBTQ+ community in New York and beyond was.
Rainbow colored lights are projected onto the ceiling 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 RELAX TO WEARING LGBTQ THEMED WARM UP JERSEYS AT PRIDE NIGHT
“We are communicating these concerns with the NY Rangers and NHL leadership as we continue to discuss how these organizations can work towards inclusion. NYC Pride has a duty to support our partners and hold them accountable. We are committed to strengthening our relationships with the NY Rangers and the NHL and maintaining a substantive dialogue with them about meaningful collaborations with the LGBTQ+ community.”
One player told the New York Post he didn’t know why the shirts weren’t being worn. The team contributed to the Ali Forney Center, an agency dedicated to helping homeless youth in the LGBTQ+ community.
Rangers Pride jerseys have been auctioned off for charity in each of the last two seasons.
Zac Jones of the New York Rangers skates with a stick decorated for ‘Pride Night’ before a 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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This comes less than two weeks after Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov failed to wear an LGBTQ jersey during his team’s Pride Night, citing religious beliefs.
“I respect everyone and I respect everyone’s decisions,” Provorov told reporters after the January 17 game. “My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That’s all I’m going to say.”