nashville predators Prospect Luke Prokop, who became the first openly gay player under contract in the NHL, released a statement Monday night calling out the recent decision by several players and teams to opt out of league-wide Pride Nights.
Seattle Thunderbirds defensemen, 20, issued a lengthy statement on Twitter saying they believe the recent news about Pride Nights in the nhl «It feels like a step backwards for inclusion.»
Luke Prokop #6 of the Seattle Thunderbirds skates during second period action against the Winnipeg ICE at Wayne Fleming Arena on January 11, 2023 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Jonathan Kozub/Getty Images)
«I share the disappointment in what feels like a step backwards for inclusion in the NHL,» Prokop wrote. «Pride nights and pride shirts play an important role in promoting respect and inclusion in the LGBTQIA+ community, and it’s disheartening to see some teams no longer wear them or fully accept their importance, while the focus of others have become the players who are not there». t participating more than the meaning of the night itself.»
SHARKS USE TWITTER ACCOUNT TO SHARE LGBTQIA+ INFORMATION, INCLUDING ‘GENDER DIVERSITY’
«Everyone is entitled to their own set of beliefs, but I think it’s important to recognize the difference between supporting a community and respecting the people in it,» he continued.
«Pride nights are an essential step in fostering greater acceptance and understanding in hockey, and I strongly believe that by prioritizing diversity and inclusion, we can create an environment where all players feel comfortable bringing their authentic identity to the game.» game. As someone who aspires to play on an NHL team one day, I would like to walk into the locker room knowing that I can share all parts of my identity with my teammates.»
The statement follows San Jose Sharks goalkeeper James Reimer’s decision not to wear a pride-themed warm-up jersey ahead of Saturday’s game against New York Islanders.
FILE – San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer (47) reacts after conceding a goal against the New York Islanders in the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022, in Elmont, NY. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)
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«During the 13 years of my NHL career, I’ve been a christian — not just in the title, but in how I choose to live my life every day. I have personal faith in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for my sins and in response he asks me to love everyone and follow him,» he said in a statement provided by the team.
«I have no hate in my heart for anyone, and I have always strived to treat everyone I meet with respect and kindness. In this specific case, I choose not to endorse something that goes against my personal convictions that is based on the Bible, the highest authority in my life.
Earlier this year, defender Ivan Provorov decided to skip the philadelphia flyers pregame warmups, when players wore Pride-them jerseys, citing their religious beliefs.
Liberal sports media heavily criticized Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov for skipping festivities celebrating LGBTQ pride. (Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
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The NHL released a statement at the time apparently endorsing Provorov’s decision, adding that it «will continue to encourage their voices and perspectives on social and cultural issues.»
In January, the new york rangers he opted not to wear the jerseys in warm-ups during Pride Night. The Minnesota Wild followed suit earlier this month.
“While there is still much to do before hockey is for everyone, I am optimistic about the change we can achieve and committed to being a part of it,” Prokop wrote Monday.