NHL Issues Statement On Player’s Decision to Boycott “Pride Night”: Players Are “Free to Decide Which Initiatives to Support”
The Gateway Pundit reported on Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov decision to boycott his team’s “Pride Night” on Tuesday night.
Provorov, a devout Russian Orthodox Christian, refused to wear his team’s gay pride jersey saying he made a choice to stay true to himself and his faith, “I respect everybody and I respect everybody’s choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion.”
#Flyers Ivan Provorov on his Pride Night pregame boycott :
“My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion.” pic.twitter.com/YSFKvkyEJC— Dan Gelston (@APgelston) January 18, 2023
On Wednesday, The National Hockey League issued a statement affirming that NHL players have the right to choose which causes they support.
The NHL, in response to ESPN’s request for comment, said Wednesday in a statement that players are “free to decide which initiatives to support.”
“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 to achieve more welcoming and inclusive environments for all fans,” the league said in its statement to ESPN. “Clubs decide whom to celebrate, when and how — with League counsel and support. Players are free to decide which initiatives to support, and we continue to encourage their voices and perspectives on social and cultural issues.”
Flyers coach John Tortorella said he didn’t contemplate scratching Provorov for not taking warmups.
“With Provy, he’s being true to himself and to his religion,” the first-year Flyers coach said. “This has to do with his belief and his religion. It’s one thing I respect about Provy: He’s always true to himself. That’s where we’re at with that.”
Hockey fans have spoken. Provorov’s Jersey is sold out online.
Ivan Provorov’s jersey is now completely sold out on NHL Shop and Fanatics with the exception of extra smalls. pic.twitter.com/qEb3qF0IIN
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) January 19, 2023
While the woke mob is melting down over Provorov’s decision, he has received support.
NHL player Ivan Provorov, a devout Russian Orthodox Christian, refused to wear his team’s pride jersey Tuesday. He said he made a choice to stay true to himself & his faith.
This is what courage looks like. pic.twitter.com/5GmIyYPlze
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 18, 2023
The NHL is notorious for its groupthink.
That’s why unlike other major leagues, there are very few outspoken professing Christians in the NHL.
So that makes Ivan Provorov’s refusal to wear “Pride Night” jerseys even more courageous.
Pray for him.pic.twitter.com/b4LH7DphHt
— Samuel Sey (@SlowToWrite) January 18, 2023
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