Flyers’ Ivan Provorov refusing to wear Pride Night jersey owing to his religious beliefs
On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Flyers held their annual Pride Night in support of the LGTBQ+ Community.
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.
One player was absent from the Flyers’ warmups on the ice: Ivan Provorov the defenseman, who eventually moved to the bench and played a record 22:45 in Philadelphia’s 5-2 win over Montreal. 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 actively support local LGBTQ+ organisations, and this year we were proud again to host Pride Night. 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’s being true and honest with himself and his religion. Tortorella explained that his beliefs and religion are the reason. It’s one of the things I admire about. [Provorov]He’s always true and honest with himself. Tortorella claimed that he didn’t think about reprimanding Provorov for his decision.
Provorov, a Russian Orthodox priest, spoke out shortly afterwards to the media.
“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.
Before the game begins, you will need to: Flyers held a skate Local LGBTQ+ youth, officers and staff from the Greater Philadelphia G.O.A.L. organization. Their mission is to “advocate on behalf of and for LGBTQ+ military members and first responders, educate first responders about LGBTQ+ competency, and conduct community outreach to promote relations between the LGBTQ+ public, first responder agencies, and the LGBTQ+ community.”
After the game, it’s time to move forward James van Riemsdyk Scott Laughton Trin Stephens, a 13-year old nonbinary hockey player, was our guest of honor. We met with him and his family. Laughton, van Riesmdyk met Stephens for the first time in November at a LGBTQ+ nonprofit they partnered with.
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 love to see people participate in sports and feel free to express themselves, not hide it from the rest of the world.”
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