This NHL season, the controversies keep on heaping. After the Philadelphia Flyers, the New York Rangers team finds itself in the middle of a heated issue. The recent match between the Rangers and Las Vegas Golden Knights, left fans disappointed, for reasons completely off the court.
Last Friday, the Flyers administration sent emails stating that the players would be a part of the traditional Pride Night celebration. Players were supposed to don rainbow-themed jerseys, along with pride-themed stickers on their hockey sticks. The audience showed up in great strength to become a part of the important match. However, things were not as they seemed.
Last moment changes led to controversial move
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When the players landed on the ice, fans were shocked to see them wearing their usual jerseys. This left fans stunned as there had been no prior information about the change in events. The New York Post reports that when the players entered their dressing room, they saw the regular Lady Liberty jerseys in their respective lockers. Even the players weren’t aware of the sudden alteration.
What made it more serious was the fact that the administration hasn’t released any public statement even after the game. It has been anticipated that the decision has been made keeping in mind the priority of players who agreed with Philadelphia Flyer’s Ivan Provorov’s ideology. Luckily, the Rangers aren’t receiving criticism as heavily as Provorov did.
Provorov’s controversial stand
The star player of the Philadelphia Flyers found himself in a much worse situation when he refused to participate in the pride night celebration a few days back. Just like the Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers were supposed to celebrate their traditional Pride Night by wearing Rainbow-themed jerseys.
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However, the celebration came to a halt after Provorov’s decision of not wearing the jersey. He cited his Russian Orthodox faith for the change in plans. Provorov was highly criticized after that, with the NHL core team stepping in to support him.
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What do you think of these sudden changes in Pride celebrations?