Arizona Coyotes player Travis Dermott defied a ban set by the National Hockey League on the use of pride tape on Saturday, making him the first NHL player to do so.
Dermott made the move during the Coyotes’ game against the Anaheim Ducks over the weekend, with the Coyotes winning by 2-1. It comes after the NHL’s board of governors decided earlier this year that its players could neither use Pride-themed tape nor show support for special initiatives on the ice in the 2023-24 season.
CHEVRON TO BUY HESS FOR $53 BILLION, CEMENTING LONG-TERM BET ON FOSSIL FUELS
The NHL was asked if Dermott would face any sort of discipline for defying the league’s ban, with the league stating it would review the situation “in due time,” according to the Athletic.
Jeff McLean, one of the co-founders of Pride Tape, had told the outlet that Dermott had ordered a shipment of tape from his company last week and intended to use the tape throughout this NHL season.
It is not yet known what type of discipline, if any, that Dermott will face for defying this ban.
Earlier this month, former NHL Executive Vice President Brian Burke blasted the NHL’s decision to ban pride tape, arguing the choice to ban the tape “stripped clubs of a powerful community outreach tool and removed meaningful support for Special Initiatives.” He also said the ban was enacted “to protect a select few who do not want to answer any questions about their choices.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“I hope the NHL reconsiders in order to remain a leader in DEI,” a statement from Burke read.
The Arizona Coyotes are scheduled to host the NHL’s first Pride night for this season on Oct. 30, when the team will play against the Los Angeles Kings.
