NHL lifts ban on Pride stick tape with LGBTQ+ colours

The National Hockey League has decided to allow players to use stick tape to show support for social causes again, after there was a lot of criticism for the rule that banned it.

Two weeks ago, the league sent a message saying that players are not allowed to use rainbow LGBT Pride tape on their hockey sticks.

Some players kept using the tape even though they weren’t supposed to.

The NHL announced on Tuesday that players can now choose to show support for social causes by using different colored stick tape during the season if they want to.

The league talked to the players’ association and a coalition for including players in NHL before deciding.

In June, the company decided that its teams cannot wear unique jerseys during pre-game warmups on theme nights, which promote social causes like LGBT support or the military.

The decision was made because some players didn’t want to wear rainbow jerseys during theme nights that support LGBTQ+ rights. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said it caused a distraction from the cause.

The rule also stopped people from changing their uniforms and sticks in other ways, like using rainbow-colored Pride tape.

Some players didn’t agree with the decision, including Brian Burke, who used to work for the NHL. He promised to cover the money owed by any player who got fined for using the tape.

Let’s make things clear: this is not about being included or making progress. He said on social media that this decision does not help the game grow and does not make our fans feel welcome.

Arizona Coyotes player Travis Dermott broke the rule over the weekend by using a small amount of Pride Tape on the upper part of his hockey stick during a game on October 21st.

He said to the Athletic, “the league is silencing us”. without being allowed.

Players use hockey tape for several reasons. One reason is to have a better grip on the stick, which helps with handling and controlling the puck. Another reason is to protect the stick from getting damaged.

In a message on X, the company behind Pride tape expressed gratitude to the NHL for changing its stance.

The company expressed gratitude to all those who believe that hockey should be a safe and inviting environment for everyone.

“We are very pleased that NHL players can choose to use special stick tape to support important social causes during the season. ”