Ivan Provorov boycotts Flyers Pride Night citing religion prior pregame warmups against Ducks

<strong>Ivan Provorov boycotts Flyers Pride Night citing religion prior pregame warmups against Ducks</strong>

Ivan Provorov [Image Credit: Flipboard]

Prior to Philadelphia Flyers’ game against Anaheim Ducks, defenceman Ivan Provorov refused to take part in the pregame skate for Pride Night with his team. On Tuesday, Ivan stated that he respects everyone’s choices but wants to stay true to his belief and religion.

He didn’t wear the team’s LGBTQ+ Pride Night jerseys or took part in wrapping their hockey stick in rainbow tape. The stick and jerseys will be auctioned off by Flyers charity to help and grow the diverse communities. Other than Ivan, other players participated in the event.

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Ivan Provorov noted, “I respect everyone. I respect everybody’s choices“. “My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That’s all I’m going to say,” he said after the game in an interview. He refused to answer any further questions related to this topic.

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Ivan Provorov voices out his stance during the Flyers Pride Night event

Ivan Provorov [Image Credit: CBS News]
Ivan Provorov [Image Credit: CBS News]

The Flyers won 5-2 against the Ducks with a score of 19-19-7. The Ducks are currently carrying 12-28-5 into the season. Coach John Tortorella said that Ivan’s stand on Pride Night is fully supported by him, as it is one of his prospects that he likes the most. 

He quoted that Ivan “was true to himself and to his religion.” “It’s one thing I respect about Provy, he’s always true to himself”. The team further hosted a pregame skate for the LGBTQ community with James van Riemsdyk and Scott Laughton being staunch supporters of the cause.

Scott noted that the Flyers had a “great, great night that brings a lot of awareness.” When asked what he thought of Ivan’s decision of boycotting, he said, “I don’t hold anything against anyone”. “It’s nothing like that. It was an awesome night and I’m very happy we got a win on a night like this.”

Even Flyers winger Kevin Hayes said it’s not his place to say anything or comment on right or wrong regarding Ivan’s stand. On Tuesday night, the Wells Fargo Center shined in rainbow hues. The whole arena got decorated with themes representing the LGBTQ+ community.

In a statement after the game, the team said, “The Philadelphia Flyers organization is committed to inclusivity and is proud to support the LGBTQ+ community”. “Many of our players are active in their support of local LGBTQ+ organizations, and we were proud to host our annual Pride Night again this year. The Flyers will continue to be strong advocates for inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ community.”

In a statement on Wednesday, the NHL noted, “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 NHL stated that clubs are free to decide who they want to celebrate, when, and how. Following their decision, the League supports them. The players are also free to decide which community they support and encourage their voices and perspectives regarding different sectors of society.

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