We love a rebel!
Arizona Coyotes player Travis Dermott defied the NHL’s ban on Pride tape over the weekend, wrapping his stick in rainbow colors anyway. The Coyotes defeated the Anaheim Ducks 2-1 in their home opener.
Neither Dermott nor the Coyotes have heard from the NHL regarding punishment, according to ESPN. A spokesperson for the league told ESPN it had no announcement regarding Dermott’s use of the barred accessory.
The co-founder of the company that makes Pride tape called Dermott’s defiance “incredibly powerful.”
Pride Tape also shouted out Dermott on social media, garnering more than 900 shares and 7,700 “likes” as of press time.
It’s clear most NHL fans stand with the LGBTQ+ community, despite the league bowing to a small minority of homophobes.
So happy to see this!!
— Rich (@rcr_92) October 21, 2023
Hell yeah. Love to see it. Great person.
— Michael Rose (@Kokonaut76) October 22, 2023
Love this 🏳️🌈
— Zackinthebox (@Z0913C) October 22, 2023
The NHL announced in June it was banning “speciality” jerseys during warmups, practices and or games, after seven players–that’s right, seven–refused to wear rainbow sweaters during their teams’ Pride nights.
Though the league never said its edict was in response to the Pride jerseys controversy, that was the implication.
Prior to the start of the new season, the NHL sent out a memo clarifying its ruling, saying the ban extended to gear as well.
Multiple players spoke out against the misguided decision, and one of them, Philadelphia Flyers alternate captain Scot Laughton, indicated he would put rainbow tape on his stick during Pride night, anyway.
“You’ll probably see me with the Pride tape on that night anyway,” he said. “If they want to say something, they can.”
But as it turns out, Dermott beat Laughton to the punch. The Coyotes are slated to hold their Pride night October 27.
An eight-year veteran, Dermott is a long-standing ally. Back in 2021, he explained why he’s so passionate about championing inclusion.
“[I have] some family that is involved in the LGBTQ community. So, I’d like to step forward and in the future take part in supporting them more vigorously,” he said.
Dermott’s stance is admirable in and of itself, but it’s even more impressive when you consider his situation. The defenseman is playing on a one-year contract, meaning he enjoys little job security.
And yet, he still stood up for LGBTQ+ folx, giving the league the middle finger in the process.
Now that Dermott was the first, we’ll see if more players follow his lead. Over the offseason, some of the league’s biggest stars, including Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos and Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid expressed their disagreement with the Pride ban.
If Dermott can defy the league, what’s their excuse? May the rainbow floodgates open.
Baron Wiseman
Oh, the bravery.
ZzBomb
Considerably braver than you I wager since he’s not hiding and you are.
dbmcvey
And what have you done Oxy? Post on this site?
LeBlevsez
Baron Wiseman is easily rattled.
Jaesly
So jeopardizing his further career with the NHL is not brave enough for you?
ZzBomb
Cue the conservative troll outrage over an NHL player they never heard of wrapping his hockey stick in tape in… 3… 2… 1.
dbmcvey
It was a stupid ban in the first place. Who cares what tape the players use?
Oh, wait, I think I know.
Fahd
I’d like to see more discussion of this. Why should NHL hockey players be treated worse than their NBA and NFL counterparts who have opportunities for expressing personal social justice views?
NHL Hockey made major steps into mainstream TV with their TNT deal. Let’s see how TNT handles the NHL’s misguided effort to prevent the players from using their platform.
Will Travis Dermott be fined?; if his using rainbow tape doesn’t get enough attention in mainstream sports media, his being fined for it would.
People should be more outraged about the apparent bigots running the NHL.
Thad
Big gay hockey fan here. I’ve written to the NHL protesting the rainbow ban.
I’m pleased Travis Dermott is using Pride Tape. But he plays in Arizona, in a small arena with few fans.
Baron Wiseman
To think that anyone needs/requires validation of their sexual orientation in front of strangers says more about you than the visibility of pride tape. Narcissistic approval addiction is an unhealthy behavior seeking external validation, recognition and approval of others to feel good about oneself.
Hintetsomaru
It really is a very unfortunate disorder. I’m sorry you suffer from it.
dbmcvey
Oxy, it’s interesting how little self-reflection you do.
abfab
MISS Moron WISEPERSON’S MISSION STATEMENT:
”Narcissistic approval addiction is an unhealthy behavior seeking external validation, recognition and approval of others to feel good about oneself so by all means, join me !”