Flyers’ Ivan Provorov, Flyers’ Pride Night jersey refuser, citing religion
The Philadelphia Flyers held their annual Pride Night Tuesday to support and celebrate LGTBQ+ communities.
The Flyers were dressed in Pride-themed warmups and rainbow taped sticks. All proceeds will be donated to Flyers charities which aim to increase hockey participation in communities that are less well represented.
Ivan Provorov was the only player who was absent from the Flyers’ warmups. He eventually moved to the bench and played a record 22:45 in Philadelphia’s 5-2 win over Anaheim Ducks.
Reports circulated after the game Provorov refused to wear the Pride Night jersey during warmups. The Flyers issued the following statement.
“The Philadelphia Flyers organization is committed to inclusivity and is proud to support the LGBTQ+ community. Many of our players support local LGBTQ+ organizations and we were proud to host Pride Night this year again. The Flyers will continue to be strong advocates for inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ community.”
John Tortorella, the Flyers’ head coach, confirmed the reports afterward and explained that the defenseman made his decision because of his faith.
“He’s being true and honest with himself and his religion. Tortorella explained that his beliefs and his faith are the reason. “It’s something I respect about.” [Provorov]He is always true to himself.” Tortorella claimed that he didn’t think about putting Provorov in jail because of his decision.
Provorov (Russian Orthodox) met shortly thereafter with the media and discussed his decision.
“I respect everybody and respect everybody’s choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion,” he said.
The Flyers’ and LGBTQ+ communities had a positive evening, but the controversy cast a shadow on it.
The following are the prerequisites for the game: Flyers held a skate For local LGBTQ+ youth and officers of the Greater Philadelphia G.O.A.L, whose mission it is to “advocate and on behalf” LGBTQ+ first responders, military personnel, and to educate first responders in LGBTQ+ competency and to provide community outreach to improve relations between the LGBTQ+ public sector and first responder agencies.
Scott Laughton, Scott van Riemsdyk, and forward James van Riemsdyk met Trin Stephens and his family after Tuesday’s game. Laughton, van Riesmdyk and Stephens first met in November through a LGBTQ+ non-profit organization that they had partnered.
Stephens said, “It’s amazing because it’s an once-in-a lifetime chance to have, as a LGBTQ youth doing this.” told NHL.com. “I would absolutely love for people be included in sport and be themselves. They don’t have to hide their feelings from the outside world.”
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