Flyers’ Ivan Provorov, Flyers’ Pride Night jersey refuser, citing religion
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.
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 decided not to wear the Pride Night shirt in warmups. This prompted the Flyers to make 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 is being true to himself, his religion. Tortorella stated that this has to do his beliefs and religion. “It’s something I respect about.” [Provorov]He is always true to himself.” Tortorella claimed that he didn’t think about naming 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+ community had a great night. However, the controversy cast a shadow.
Before the game begins, you will need to: 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 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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