Rielly Speaks Up Against Pride Tape Ban

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Graham Montgomery
October 10, 2023 (8:41 PM)

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The NHL made a major announcement yesterday that shocked the hockey world. If you have not heard by now, the league has officially banned pride tape from all NHL events including warm ups before games and even team practices.

NHL Bans Pride Tape

It was a move that many have called a "Don't say gay" policy. Among those to call the policy by this name is SBNation's Outsports, an industry leader in LGBTQ+ sports news and commentary.

The organization calls the policy:

"Disgraceful. Despicable. Outrageous. Petty."

Pride Tape, the company that produces the colorful hockey accessory, released their own statement today expressing their disappointment in the decision while thanking their customers for their support.

"The league has used language in recent days which would prohibit the tape from any proximity to NHL hockey. We hope the league - and teams - will again show commitment to this important symbol of combating homophobia. Many of the players themselves have been exceptional advocates of the tape."

Rielly Speaks Against New NHL Policy

This morning Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly made a statement showing his opposition to the new policy.

"I wish players had the right to do more and be more involved. I'm going to continue to be involved in the community and offer support to those communities and those groups that want that, need that."

Rielly has established himself as a consistent ally of the LGBTQ+ community and continues to show his support through community events and statements like these. It is important that players of Rielly's magnitude to make their voices heard as decisions like the pride tape ban aim to take away the player's ability to express themselves freely.

As seen on Hockey Patrol