Brayden Schenn and Ilya Samsonov refuse Pride-themed jerseys amid ongoing NHL controversies

St. Louis Blues forward Brayden Schenn talks about the team’s decision to forgo Pride-themed jerseys ahead of their game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Not only Schenn but Toronto Maple Leafs’ goalie Ilya Samsonov also didn’t wear his pride-themed mask prior game against Columbus Blue Jackets.

Various NHL teams have already refused to celebrate Pride Night festivities and talks of canceling the event have also been brought up. As of now, there’s no final call made yet, but according to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, changes may be made to this. 

According to Schenn, Blues refused to wear jerseys, though they’ll celebrate the event by tapping their sticks in rainbow tapes and pucks. Their warmup jerseys have been omitted. Schenn also made sure to point out that he has no issues with celebrating the night as he did so in the past.

Related: Luke Prokop “disappointed” with NHL action following James Reimer pride jersey controversy

Brayden Schenn talks about team decision regarding Pride-themed jerseys

According to Brayden Schenn, “There’s lots of initiatives around Pride Night at the rink. As players we’ve always supported it in this room. People are going to have different opinions and you respect everyone’s opinion…” 

“…whether it’s on that topic or other topics around the world, you show up to the rink and you play and you support the Pride community. … We support it. I support it. If the jersey is here, I’m wearing the jersey”. 

“I’ve worn the jersey in the past. So, for me, I support it. Absolutely no problem with it. Encourage it. That’s my opinion on it”. Blues are not the first ones to forgo Pride Night jerseys, Chicago Blackhawks, NY Rangers, NY Islanders, and Minnesota Wild all rejected the event.

Blues President Chris Zimmermann said, “With our Pride Night … we are recognizing our friends in the LGBTQIA+ community and advocating for inclusivity in support of the NHL’s Hockey is for Everyone initiative”. The first to reject celebrating Pride Night was Ivan Provorov of the Flyers. 

Russian goaltender Ilya Samsonov also didn’t wear a pride-themed helmet prior to the Maple Leafs’ game against Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday. Although Leafs celebrated Pride Night since 2017, they were never spotted wearing warmup jerseys. 

Apart from Samsonov, Provorov, and Schenn, Canucks Andrei Kuzmenko, Sharks James Reimer, Panthers Staal brothers, and Sabres Ilya Lyubushkin. Although players’ cities’ religious beliefs, Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe donned pride-themed T-shirts on Tuesday’s media availability. 

Leafs’ defenceman Morgan Reilly said, “The belief within the organization has always been there in terms of including people and having our team be a place where everybody’s welcome and safe”. “Whether you wear jerseys or not, I believe actions speak louder than words. And especially speak louder than attire.”

In case you missed:

Andrei Kuzmenko cites family reasons to opt out of warm-up for Pride Night ahead of game against Flames

Gary Bettman reconsidering Pride Night festivities amidst ongoing NHL controversies and opt-outs recently

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW