Connor McDavid and Brad Marchand CRITICIZE league’s decision to ban usage of Pride tape during 2023-24 season
NHL stars Connor McDavid and Brad Marchand have joined the fans in attacking the league for it's ban on usage of Pride tape this season.
Connor McDavid (L) and Brad Marchand (R) [Pic Credit: Imago/NHL]
As the new 2023-24 season gets underway, the National Hockey League (NHL) is receiving heavy backlash. Hours before the new season started, a report regarding them banning the usage of Pride tape emerged. This led to huge outrage among fans who called out the league for this decision. Connor McDavid and Brad Marchand have now joined the others in criticizing this decision.
McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers captain has openly supported the LGBTQ+ community. In previous seasons he could be seen using the pride tape over his stick while showing his support. So he was not shy in attacking the league over this decision. Meanwhile, Marchand, the new captain of the Boston Bruins, claimed people should be free to support whom they want.
The reigning NHL MVP McDavid said he always enjoyed “theme-nights” celebrations in the league and expressed his disappointment with this move. “Whether that’s Pride Night or Military Night or Indigenous Night… I’ve always enjoyed them.” He did mention that he cannot speak for everyone on this matter, but he enjoyed this (celebration) and hopes it can make a return in the future.
These two team leaders have been highly vocal regarding this matter. Their teams have also had their fair share of involvement in Pride night celebrations. Fans are now curious whether they will break the rules and still endorse the pride tape and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
Brad Marchand joins Connor McDavid in attacking league over their decision to ban Pride tape
The decision to ban theme jerseys has ignited a hotly debated topic on social media. Various experts and fans have slammed Commissioner Gary Bettman for allowing this move. Brad Marchand would later join Connor McDavid in attacking the league over this.
The 35-year-old veteran termed the development as “unfortunate” as they failed to find a common ground. “I think where a lot of it comes from is the backlash that the players got in the previous years,” Marchand said. “You try to stand up for what’s right, and you get a lot of backlash, one way or another. Right now it seems like you can’t win,” he further added.
The issue regarding Pride Night started when Ivan Provorov declined to wear a Pride-themed jersey during the warm-ups. He would cite religious issues as the reason for his refusal. Several players would later join him in refusing to take a stand for the LBGTQ+ community.
Since this huge outrage, the NHL/NHLPA has not made any comments regarding this. Will they even make any changes also remains to be seen as the frustration of fans across the country starts to grow regarding this matter.
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Vinay Dave
(1754 Articles Published)