Alexander Ovechkin Praises NHL for not Punishing players over Pride Night

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Skyler Walker
September 18, 2023 (7:32 PM)

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NHL Players and Pride Nights Debate

In the past NHL season, controversy stirred as some players declined to participate in their teams' Pride Nights, sparking passionate debates among fans and raising questions about the NHL's LGBTQ+ support.

Ovechkin's Perspective

Amid this debate, certain teams canceled Pride Nights, and the NHL removed all special jersey theme nights for the upcoming season. Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals captain, commended the league for not punishing players like Ivan Provorov and James Reimer, who skipped NHL-sanctioned Pride Night events.

Ovechkin stated,

"Well done. It would be like this everywhere."

The Washington captain was also praising NHL leadership for not imposing any sanctions on players like Ivan Provorov of the Philadelphia Flyers and current Red Wings goalie James Reimer over their refusal to participate in NHL-sanctioned Pride Night events in support of the LGBTQ community.

"Well, what can I say here?," Ovechkin asked "Well done. It would be like this everywhere."

Concerns About Consequences

While acknowledging the divisive nature of these events, Ovechkin appreciates the NHL's respect for individual beliefs. However, he also voiced concerns about potential unintended consequences.