Edmonton-based Pride Tape makes NHL appearance Saturday despite ban
CTV
A Canadian NHL player is the first to sport rainbow-coloured Pride Tape on the ice since it was banned by the league.
A Canadian NHL player is the first to sport Pride Tape during a game since it was banned by the league.
Arizona Coyote defenseman Travis Dermott donned the tape Saturday night against the Anaheim Ducks.
The move comes less than two weeks after the NHL clarified its rules around what can and cannot be done during themed celebrations this year – including the banning of the rainbow-coloured stick tape.
Kristopher Wells, Canada Research Chair for the public understanding of sexual and gender minority youth and co-founder of Pride Tape, says Dermott is taking a risk in being the first to openly flaunt the rules.
"These are one of these historic moments that we will remember," he said. "And it really says to the LGBTQ+ community that you have allies in hockey who are willing to stand behind you and speak beside you to really show that hockey does care about you."
Dermott has been a long-time ally of the LGBTQ2S+ community and Pride Tape supporter, Wells said.
"He reached out to our Pride Tape group right after the ban was announced to order his own tape," he added. "I think this is a great example of what a true ally looks like, you know?
