Ryan S. ClarkNHL Reporter7:52pm ET2 minute read
Brothers Eric and Marc Staal, who both play for the Florida Panthers, did not participate in pregame skating Thursday night because they declined to wear the team’s LGBTQIA+ Pride Night warm-up sweaters, citing their religious beliefs.
The brothers were included in the 6-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs as they also took part in the team’s morning ice skating session.
“After much thought, prayer and discussion, we have decided not to wear a Pride Night jersey tonight,” the brothers said in a statement released by the Panthers. “We do not judge how people live their lives and believe that all people should be welcome in all aspects of the game of hockey. However, we believe that wearing a Pride jersey goes against our Christian beliefs.
“We hope you can respect that statement, we will not speak further on this matter and want to remain focused on the game and helping the Florida Panthers win the Stanley Cup.”
Her decision not to wear Pride Night warm-up sweaters is the latest development in one of the NHL’s most polarizing topics this season. On Wednesday, The Associated Press reported that the Chicago Blackhawks would not wear Pride-themed warm-up sweaters ahead of their Sunday home game against the Vancouver Canucks amid safety concerns related to a Russian law expanding restrictions on activities considered promotion of LGTBQIA+ rights in the country.
“I can understand [why people are upset] when things are announced in a way and then changed,” Blackhawks defensive end Connor Murphy told the Chicago Sun-Times Thursday. “But I hope people understand that we support them all. Whether it’s someone from the gay community or someone from another community… we hope everyone feels welcome in our arenas and is watching us and even being part of the game and wanting to play. That’s the big message that we hope stays true.”
Last Saturday, San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer sat out warm-up exercises as the team held their Pride Night. Reimer also cited his religious beliefs, stating, “I choose not to support anything that contradicts my personal beliefs, which are based on the Bible, the supreme authority in my life. I firmly believe that every human being has worth and worth and the LGTBQIA+ community should be welcome like everyone else in all aspects of the game of hockey.”
Back in January, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov did not participate in pregame skating, including citing his religious beliefs. Provorov said he wanted to “stay true to himself and to my religion,” which he described as Russian Orthodox.
The Minnesota Wild and New York Rangers were also among the teams who said they would wear special jerseys for their Pride Nights this season, only to then forego wearing them before their games. The Wild announced a charity auction for their sweaters, while the Rangers sent out an announcement to their season ticket holders.