The National Hockey League is taking a new stance on how its players show support for social causes.
The league announced Tuesday that players will be able to use the symbolic tape on their hockey sticks throughout the season.
“Following consultation with the NHL Players Association and the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition, players will now have the option to voluntarily advocate for social causes with their adhesive tape throughout the season,” the statement was shared on xformerly known as Twitter, read the league’s communications department.
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The announcement came just days after the league sent a memo to its players advising them that their equipment and uniforms should not be changed during events such as Pride nights and military recognition.
One of the first to speak out about the initial announcement was Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott, who used the pride tape on the shaft of his stick during the Coyotes’ game against the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday.
“None of the players saw that I put it on the stick. It was kind of just, ‘Okay, I’m doing this, we’re going to deal with the consequences and move forward, and hopefully I’ll have a positive impact on some people who needed that positive impact,'” he said of his decision to takes issue with the league’s now-repealed rules in an interview with The Athletic.
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While the 26-year-old stressed he had the support of his team, he said he apologized to the equipment staff for using the tape without telling them.
Travis Dermott #33 of the Arizona Coyotes skates on the ice with the Pride Ribbon at Mullett Arena on October 21, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona.
by Zac BonDurant/Getty
“They’re the ones who should be making sure all our equipment is up to spec and legal and all that stuff. I felt a little bit like I let those guys down,” Dermott said. “But I think at the same time they’re so understanding and they know I wasn’t mean to them.”
After Tuesday’s announcement, Pride Tape’s creators praised the NHL’s overturning of the ban.
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“We are very grateful to everyone who believes that hockey should be a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for all,” the company said in statement. “We are extremely happy that NHL players will now have the opportunity to volunteer for important social causes with their tape during the season. @nhl @NHLPA.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education