BUFFALO | Nights in support of the LGBTQ+ community in the NHL have never been more talked about than this season. On Monday night, through defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin, it will be the Buffalo Sabers’ turn to add a page to this soap opera.
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Citing an anti-gay law by the Kremlin that left him fearing for his safety and that of his family members living in Russia, the 28-year-old full-back announced he was refusing to take part in the warm-up before the clash with the Canadian.
Though this choice sparked controversy, people in the Sabers’ dressing room were quick to come to his defense.
“We support his decision and want to make sure he’s comfortable,” Sabers captain Kyle Okposo said.
“As an American and North American, I don’t think you can understand the decision-making process that he’s in. I don’t think it’s appropriate to condemn him, he added. Making a judgment without understanding the full scope of your decision would not be very wise. »
to have conversations
The son of a Nigerian father, Okposo grew up the target of discriminatory speech himself. His rise in the hockey world was littered with racist episodes. He is well placed to understand the notions of inclusivity.
“I’ve already spoken about the challenges I’ve had to go through in my life,” he said. You want to make sure everyone feels accepted. We are still working on that as a company. This is also the case in the hockey community. We need to have these conversations to improve. »
Lyubushkinun’s withdrawal for this warm-up is another snag on the NHL’s image and hockey culture, which many perceive as non-inclusive.
“I disagree,” Rasmus Dahlin pounded out. The view people have of ice hockey is wrong. We are all like brothers and each of us can be whatever we want. Nobody judges. we are good people »
The name of Lyubushkin is added to a growing list of players who, for various reasons, refuse to attend these evenings. The Flyers’ Ivan Provorov led the way. He was followed by the Sharks’ James Reimer and the Panthers’ Eric and Marc Staal.
As for them, the Rangers, the Wild and the Blackhawks simply decided to cancel their evening.
A problem for Gurianov?
The Canadian has already confirmed that the Pride night will take place as planned on April 6th when the Washington Capitals visit. It remains to be seen whether all players will follow suit.
Could Denis Gurianov, the Canadian’s only Russian player, address religious reasons or fear of reprisals to avoid him tonight? That remains to be seen. But for the time being, the topic has not yet been brought to the players’ entourage.
“We didn’t talk to him (Gurianov) about it,” said David Savard. For me you have to show that everyone is accepted. It’s an important day for hockey. We must show our support for this community. »