The New York Rangers’ Pride themed match did not go as originally planned.
Rangers players did not wear Pride jerseys. ZumaWire / MVPHOTOS
The New York Rangers faced the Vegas Golden Knights in their home sanctuary at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night Finnish time.
The match event had a Pride theme that highlights the rights of sexual minorities. The Rangers advertised in advance that the players would wear rainbow-colored bats in their warm-ups and wear special Pride shirts.
When they came to Kaukalo, however, the Rangers had settled on a game ball with the Statue of Liberty logo.
The change of plans came as a surprise to the NYC Pride organization that participated in organizing the event.
– In our opinion, this has been a big disappointment for the LGBTQ+ community in New York and elsewhere, NYC Pride vice president who dropped the puck before the game Andre Thomas stated.
While on the ice, Thomas was unaware of the Rangers’ jersey choice.
– We will communicate these concerns to the Rangers and league management as we continue to discuss how these organizations can do better to increase inclusion. NYC Pride has an obligation and the support of partners to hold them accountable.
The Provorov boom
The Pride theme was featured in the NHL recently when the Philadelphia Flyers Ivan Provorov refused to take part in the warm-up in rainbow colored gear.
The Russian defender justified his decision by respecting his Orthodox religion.
Source: Sportsnet