No sign of hate
Russian NHL star refuses rainbow jersey
01/18/2023 1:46 p.m
The NHL team the Philadelphia Flyers is taking a stand against discrimination and for LGBTQ+ rights. However, Russian ice hockey professional Ivan Provorov refuses to wear a jersey in rainbow colors for Pride Night – citing religious reasons.
In the North American professional league NHL, the Russian ice hockey professional Ivan Provorov caused a sensation with his refusal to take a stand against discrimination. Ahead of his Philadelphia Flyers’ 5-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks, the Flyers warmed up in special jerseys at a celebration in Philadelphia honoring the LGBTQ+ community. They also used racquets wrapped in rainbow-colored tape. The local Wells Fargo Center was also decorated with various symbols in rainbow colors. LGBTQ is the English abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer.
Provorov, meanwhile, refused to warm up, referring to his Russian Orthodox religion: “My decision is to remain true to myself and my religion.” He added: “I respect everyone. I respect everyone’s choices.” In a statement, the Flyers said they were “committed to inclusion”. They are “proud to support the LGBTQ+ community” and the association will “continue to stand up for inclusion and the LGBTQ+ community”. The NHL had not commented on the matter as of Tuesday evening local time.
Talks with Provorov announced
Flyers coach John Tortorella let the 26-year-old Provorow play despite his refusal. “He just stayed true to himself and his religion,” Tortorella said. The 64-year-old caused a stir in 2016. As coach of the US World Cup team at the time, he had announced that he would not use a player who would kneel at the US anthem like NFL professional Colin Kaepernick did at the time.
Flyers players James van Riemsdyk and Scott Laughton are prominent supporters of the gay and transgender community and have created a program to support local LGBTQ youth in the Philadelphia area. Laughton announced talks with Provorov after the game. No player in the NHL has ever publicly confirmed their homosexuality.