The New York Rangers celebrated their seventh annual Pride Night on Friday, but something was noticeably missing from the celebration.
After it was previously advertised that the team would wear pride-themed jerseys and use rainbow tape during warmups, the players did not.
Madison Square Garden’s ceiling is lit up with rainbow-colored lights to celebrate Pride Night between the New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings in 2023. before the January 24 game in New York.
(Brad Penner/Getty Images)
When asked why the Pride jerseys were not worn as originally planned, the Rangers released the following statement to Fox News Digital:
“Our organization respects the LGBTQ+ community, and we’re proud to spotlight important local community organizations as part of another great Pride night. In line with our organization’s core values, we support everyone’s individual right to respectfully express their beliefs.”
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Barkley Goodrow of the New York Rangers during Pride Night before the game against the Los Angeles Kings at Madison Square Garden on January 24, 2023 in New York.
(Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN CEO JAMES DOLAN THREATENED TO STOP ALCOHOL SALES AT RANGERS GAME.
One of the players told the New York Post that he doesn’t know why the jerseys aren’t being worn.
The Rangers did have NYC Pride Co-Chairman Andre Thomas for the ceremonial jump. They also contributed to the Ali Forne Center, an agency dedicated to homeless youth in the LGBTQ+ community.
The Blueshirts have worn the jerseys and used the tape in each of the previous two seasons. T-shirts have previously been auctioned off for charity.
Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers wears a special jersey during warmups for Pride Night before the game against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden on May 3, 2021 in New York City.
(Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
NHL Analyst Says IVAN PROVOROV COULD ‘INTRODUCE’ RUSSO-UKRAINIAN WAR AFTER DROPPING CENTURY PRIDE JERSEY.
Rangers’ decision has received a strong response.
USA Today called it a “flawed” celebration, while others had opinions on why the team changed course.
This comes two weeks after Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov chose not to wear an LGBTQ-themed jersey during his team’s Pride Night, citing religious beliefs.
Zach Jones of the New York Rangers skates with a stick decorated for Pride Night before the game against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden on May 3, 2021 in New York City.
(Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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“I respect everybody and I respect everybody’s choice,” Provorov told reporters after the Jan. 19 game. “My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That’s all I’m going to say.”
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