The New York Rangers bailed on wearing special jerseys to honor Pride Night. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Rangers bail on wearing Pride Night jerseys at last minute

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 1/28/23

For the second time this month, an NHL team is facing backlash for the handling of its annual Pride Night.

Friday's game against the Vegas Golden Knights was the team's Pride Night, and it was supposed to feature the Rangers wearing rainbow jerseys with rainbow tape on their sticks for the pregame warmups. That is how the team advertised the game in the weeks leading up to the game.

“An important night for the Rangers, for the League and for humanity.”

Sights + sounds from Pride Night pres. by @Delta: pic.twitter.com/3x1hkKTS5Y
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 25, 2022

Then that did not happen.

When the Rangers emerged from the locker room for pregame warmups, they were instead wearing their reverse retro uniforms with no special tape on their sticks, with no explanation offered for the switch.

On Saturday, the Rangers offered this statement:

"Our organization respects the LGBTQ+ community and we are proud to bring attention to important local community organizations as part of another great Pride Night. In keeping with our organization's core values, we support everyone's individual right to respectfully express their beliefs."

In the weeks prior to the game, the Rangers advertised the night with this statement:

“The Rangers will be showing their support by donning pride-themed warm-up jerseys and tape in solidarity with those who continue to advocate for inclusivity.”

Earlier this month, the Philadelphia Flyers faced criticism for their pride night when defenseman Ivan Provorov declined to take part in warmups over his objection to wearing the rainbow jersey, citing his religious beliefs. The Flyers then allowed him to still take part in the game, prompting even more criticism.

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