Flyers’ Ivan Provorov, Flyers, refuses to wear Pride Night jersey because of his religion
The Philadelphia Flyers held their annual Pride Night Tuesday to celebrate and support LGTBQ+.
The Flyers donned Pride-themed warmup uniforms and rainbow-taped sticks as part of the celebrations. Proceeds will go towards Flyers charities that aim to promote hockey in under-represented communities.
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 (Flyers head coach) confirmed the reports after the match, explaining that the defenseman made the decision because of his religion.
“He is being true to himself, his religion. Tortorella stated that this has to do his religion and beliefs. It’s the one thing I admire about it. [Provorov]He’s always true and honest with 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+ community had a great night. However, the controversy overshadowed 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 and James van Riemsdyk, forwards, met Tuesday’s guest-of-honor, Trin Stephens (13-year-old nonbinary hockey star) and his family after the game. Laughton and van Riesmdyk met Stephens for the first time in November at a LGBTQ+ nonprofit they partnered with.
Stephens stated, “It is amazing because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to have, being a LGBTQ youth doing these.” 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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