The Chicago Blackhawks have spoken up on Pride following a divided response to the usage of pride tape.
Blackhawks Speak On LGBT+ Community Following Pride Night
The Chicago Blackhawks celebrated their annual pride night, showing support to the LGBT+ community. Public support for the community has become a murky discussion point in the NHL with the league banning pride-related jerseys, among a leaguewide decision to remove speciality jersey nights following the refusal of multiple NHLers on wearing pride jerseys, with many citing religious reasons as the cause.
The NHL had also announced a ban on pride tape, which was later reversed after the rule was defied by Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott, with the league allowing for players to choose whether or not to use tape for advancing social causes.
The Chicago Blackhawks had multiple players show their support to the LGBT+ community in choosing to display pride tape on their sticks, including Blackhawks star rookie Connor Bedard. The move was not mandatory.
Blackhawks Captain Nick Foligno, who also used pride tape, said it was "wonderful" the option of using pride tape is still available, while acknowledging some may be against it, expressing hope it can create growth.
It's an opportunity for us to shed light on a group of people that has felt they need more of that. So it's a great opportunity for us to do that if you feel the need to do so. It's a nice way to take on leadership yourself, whatever you feel your beliefs are. I think that's a great way to grow as a person.
Many posts credited the Blackhawks youngster for showing his support to the LGBT+ community.
Other commenters felt anger at the team's open welcoming to the community.
Bedard, a Calder Trophy favorite for top rookie this season, has 21 goals, 35 assists & 56 points in 58 games this season for Chicago.
Read More At Hawks Insider - Connor Bedard faces backlash following stance on Pride movement
| POLL | ||
27 MARS | 756 ANSWERS Connor Bedard Gets Mixed Reaction To Stance On Pride Movement Should the league reverse it's ban on themed jerseys? | ||
| Yes | 371 | 49.1 % |
| No | 385 | 50.9 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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