The NHL issued a statement Wednesday endorsing philadelphia flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov for his decision to skip Tuesday night’s pregame warmups, where players wore Pride-them jerseys, citing their religious beliefs.
The 26-year veteran, who is russian orthodox, he explained to the media after the game that he chose not to participate in Tuesday’s warm-ups to «remain true» to himself and his religion.
Ivan Provorov #9 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates during warm ups before the game against the San Jose Sharks at the SAP Center on December 29, 2022 in San Jose, California.
(Kavin Mistry/NHLI via Getty Images)
«I respect everyone and I respect everyone’s choices,» he said in the locker room. «My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That’s all I’m going to say.»
FLYERS’ IVAN PROVOROV TAGGED ‘HOMOPHOBIC’ AS HE FACES BACKBACK FOR BOYCOTTING TEAM PRIDE FESTIVATIONS
Before Tuesday’s game against the anaheim Ducks, players wore Pride-themed jerseys and a rainbow Pride ribbon on their hockey sticks in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
After facing a fierce reaction online, the nhl issued a statement apparently endorsing Provorov’s decision, while adding that he «will continue to encourage their voices and perspectives on social and cultural issues.»
«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 towards more welcoming and inclusive environments for all fans,» the statement read.
Joel Farabee #86, Rasmus Ristolainen #55, Carter Hart #79 and Cam York #45 of the Philadelphia Flyers skate during warm ups before their game against the Anaheim Ducks at the Wells Fargo Center on January 17, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . The Flyers wear limited-edition jerseys during warmups to celebrate Pride Night tonight.
(Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
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«Clubs decide who to celebrate, when and how, with the advice and support of the League. 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 issued a separate statement after the game reiterating their stance on inclusion.
«The Philadelphia Flyers organization is committed to inclusion and is proud to support the LGBTQ+ community. Many of our players are active in supporting local LGBTQ+ organizations, and we are proud to host our annual Pride Night again this year. The Flyers will continue to stand strong advocates for inclusion and the LGBTQ+ community».
Ivan Provorov #9 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates with the puck past Max Jones #49 of the Anaheim Ducks during the third period at the Wells Fargo Center on January 17, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
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According to the team’s website, the jerseys and sticks used during warm-ups will be auctioned off with «proceeds going to Flyers Charities and their efforts to grow the game of hockey in diverse communities.»
Head coach John Tortorella said after the game that he did not consider benching Provorov.