THE NHL sent two memos regarding guidelines on what teams should do regarding special initiatives and themed evenings, according to a report from ESPN. The first memo caused some “confusion,” leading the league to send out another memo to clarify its policies.
Throughout the 2022-23 season, the NHL has been criticized for its handling of special initiatives, especially when it comes to Pride Nights. Hoping to avoid a similar situation in 2023-24, the league sent a memo last week titled “Special Playing and Training Initiatives” to each team.
However, this note did not have the desired effect. For some teams, this further muddied the waters. Specifically, they were concerned about part of the memo referring to players and coaches attending theme nights.
“Players should not be placed in the position of having to demonstrate (or where they may appear to demonstrate) their personal support for special initiatives,” the memo states, according to ESPN. “A factor that may be taken into account in this regard includes, for example, whether one or more players must be in close proximity to any group or individual visibly or otherwise clearly associated with one or more special initiatives.”
That prompted teams to wonder if players and coaches could do something as simple as hold up signs at “Hockey Fights Cancer” nights. Teams got more clarity when the NHL sent out its second memo, which focused more on wearing special jerseys during warmups or practices, which commissioner Gary Bettman called a “distraction.”
Under its new policy, teams are no longer allowed to implement these themed jerseys. They are also not allowed to force players to participate in events related to these special initiatives.
Last season, the NHL came under fire when a handful of players chose not to participate in Pride Nights warmups. SO Philadelphia Flyers defender Ivan Provorov And San Jose Sharks goalkeeper James Reimer both cited their religious beliefs as the main reason for their non-participation.
There was also concern within the league that Russian players who wore Pride Night warm-up jerseys would be punished upon returning home due to the country’s new anti-LGBTQ laws. Following the controversy, several teams opted not to wear Pride-themed warmup jerseys at all after initially planning to do so.
