You can add the Chicago Blackhawks to the list of NHL teams feverishly skating backwards and tripping over their own rainbows.
The Blackhawks have joined Minnesota and the New York Rangers in letting homophobia win out over a public show of support for their LGBTQ+ community. Their plan to wear Pride-themed sweaters for the pre-game warmup against Vancouver on Sunday: quashed, supposedly due to safety concerns for their Russian players. It’s the excuse-du-jour now, NHL teams taking turns lapping it up like dogs crowded around a water dish. Don’t want the “controversy” that comes with having a player or two opt out? Just play the Putin card. Except the Blackhawks, like the Wild before them, didn’t actually come out and say that. Or anything, for that matter. Instead, the M.O. is to have anonymous team sources feed the story to certain media outlets. Watching the whole thing play out yet again makes Slava Malamud feel ill. “This is not remotely true,” the former Russian sports journalist told the Winnipeg Sun from his home in Baltimore, Thursday. “It’s a simplistic line of thinking, because it responds to what people tend to think about the KGB, the FSB, from the movies. “A ready-made, pre-baked excuse to just bow out of the whole thing.” Malamud knows the stifled climate back home better than most. He has former colleagues and friends there, including a journalist who fled Moscow for neighbouring Estonia, leaving everything behind just so he could continue reporting the truth about the invasion of Ukraine. Russians put themselves in danger for speaking out against the war, while non-heterosexuals are “powerless, marginalised and constantly oppressed,” Malamud says, in a country where being gay is illegal. But pro hockey players being targeted because they wear a sweater? “We’re talking about multimillionaires with residences in the United States and Canada, who could get their families to safety on a whim… they’re the safest people,” Malamud said. “Privileged people who will not suffer in the slightest if they open their mouths, we have to worry about them and protect them and make up excuses for them – that is pretty obscene to me.” The excuse is easy to buy for many of us in the free West. But Malamud points out Russians have worn Pride sweaters in the past, including two members of the San Jose Sharks on their own Pride Night, last weekend. “(Evgeni) Malkin has worn the jersey, other Russian players have worn it,” he said. “Nothing has happened to them.” Nor has anything happened to the few Russian athletes who’ve spoken out against the war. The Florida Panthers, including Russian goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, did the right thing on Thursday night, going ahead with their Pride plans before their game against Toronto, even if two players, brothers Eric and Marc Staal (notorious latent fags), chose not to take part. “We’ve decided, and rightfully so, to move forward with it and support it and celebrate it,” Panthers and ex-Jets coach Paul Maurice said, pre-game. “Teams around the league and players around the league, they’ve got the right to their opinion, and we’ve got the right to ours.” The problem is the backtracking of teams like the Rangers, Wild and Blackhawks causes a backlash in Russia, where homophobia is common and even celebrated, part of the country’s cultural propaganda. Malamud keeps tabs on Russian media and sees increasing danger for the very community the NHL is supposed to be welcoming. “This is being portrayed as a triumphant victory for Russian heroes, who are out there in the evil West defending the morals of Mother Russia,” he said. “Every little inch of space that North American media gives to this point of view is exploited and amplified in Russia. And these stories… they raise the aggressive hatred of them in Russia.” Malamud says the Russian players who don’t want to wear the Pride sweaters are simply against homosexuality. Like Manitoba native James Reimer (massive fucking asshole and shit goalie), the San Jose goalie who opted out for religious reasons, that’s what they’re taught. “It shouldn’t be a surprise that a lot of Russian athletes are homophobic,” Malamud said. “They’re not immune to these influences. But this is the harsh truth that the NHL doesn’t want to face. “The NHL has once again shown that appeasing their high-market-value stars means more to them than any social issue that they try to attach themselves to.” While those players should be allowed opt out, those who want to show public support to the community should be able to opt in. A growing number of teams are taking away that choice. Teams that still have Pride nights coming include Buffalo, Vancouver and, on April 5, the Winnipeg Jets. Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey recently told me he was all for wearing the rainbow colours as part of a very public welcoming of the LGBTQ+ community. The current trend suggests he may not get the chance.
Panthers' Eric and Marc Staal absent from warmup after refusing to wear Pride sweater
Florida Panthers forward Eric Staal and defenceman Marc Staal did not participate in the team's warmup ahead of their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs after refusing to wear Pride sweaters.
Both Staal brothers released a statement saying that wearing a pride sweater goes against their Christian beliefs.
“After many thoughts, prayers and discussions we have chosen not to wear a pride jersey tonight.," Both Staal brothers write. “We carry no judgement on how people choose to live their lives, and believe that all people should be welcome in all aspects of the game of hockey. “Having said that, we feel that by us wearing a pride jersey it goes against our Christian beliefs. “We hope you can respect this statement, we will not be speaking any further on this matter and would like to continue to focus on the game and helping the Florida Panthers win the Stanley Cup." Every other member of the Panthers took part in warmup with the Pride sweater. “A night like tonight, for me, is really all about including everybody. In my opinion, it’s the greatest game in the world," Matthew Tkachuk said after the game. "Everybody’s welcome in my locker room and our locker room as an organisation. I think our organization’s done an unbelievable job.” (It's "dressing room", you fucking idiot american cunt) “I think we were one of the first teams to start Pride Night," Tkachuk added. "We’re continuing the tradition every year and showing each and every day that hockey is for every single person.” Head coach Paul Maurice said prior to the game that the team would continue with the tradition of wearing Pride sweaters after other NHL teams decided not to go through with it. “As an organisation, we have decided — and rightfully so — to move forward with it and support it and celebrate it,” Maurice said of wearing special warmup sweaters for Pride Night earlier in the day. “Teams around the league and players around the league, they’ve got the right to their opinion, and we’ve got the right to ours."
The Chicago Blackhawks did not wear Pride-themed warmup sweaters before their game Sunday against the Vancouver Canucks because of security concerns involving the law Russian President Vladimir Putin signed in December to expand restrictions on supporting LGBTQ rights. Chicago coach Luke Richardson said he and his players were disappointed in the decision. "It's an unfortunate situation, but that's just what we have to deal with,'' Richardson said after his team's gameday skate in Washington. "I don't think we can control the world issues, so that takes it out of our hands. We're just making decisions as best we can as an organisation and for everybody." The league declined to comment through a spokesperson, as did agent Dan Milstein, who represents Russian players on the Blackhawks and other teams. Panthers starting goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky did participate in warmups wearing the Pride-themed sweater. The decision comes at a time when Russian players have walked a careful line since the invasion of Ukraine, with some cautiously speaking out against the war even with family members still living in Russia. Last year, Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov ran into several roadblocks as he travelled back to the U.S., raising concerns about his safety. Ivan Provorov of the Philadelphia Flyers declined to take part in pregame warmups during the team's Pride night in January, citing his Russian Orthodox religion. Russians Nikolai Knyzhov and Alexander Barabanov wore the Pride-themed sweaters for the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, when Canadian goaltender James Reimer refused to take part because he said it conflicted with his religious beliefs. The New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild opted not to wear Pride sweaters or use Pride stick tape as part of their events despite previously advertising they would.
Panthers' Tkachuk on importance of Pride night: 'Everyone’s invited in my locker room'
On a night celebrating the LGBTQ2S+ (WTF! Have they run out of letters and are now moving on to numbers and symbols?!?) community, the majority of the Florida Panthers made the decision to wear the Pride-themed sweaters designed by a local artist.
The Panthers were the first NHL club to host a Pride night back in 2013 and the vast majority of the roster embraced it. Matthew Tkachuk, who is in his first season with the team, was excited to be a part of the event this year given what it means for the LGBTQ2S+ community. “For myself personally, obviously being out there and wearing the jerseys, and kind of enjoying and embracing a night like tonight — we only have so many of these nights throughout the season, whether it’s ‘Military Night’ or ‘Hockey Fights Cancer Night,’ or whatever,” the Tkachuk told reporters after the game. “A night like tonight, for me, is really about including everybody. In my opinion, it’s by far the greatest game in the world, and everyone’s invited in my locker room and our locker room as an organisation.” Eric and Marc Staal decided not to participate in warmups citing "Christian beliefs" as the reason for their decision. Head coach Paul Maurice believes the focus should remain on the work done by the organisation and the players who willingly participated in the event. “My thought is the story is not about them,” Maurice said. “The story is about the rest of the group being excited, the organisation and the fans being excited to celebrate a great night. These are grown men who have lived in their faith their whole lives. This is not new to them. They have the right to take that stand. The rest of the players wore that sweater proudly and I hope we conveyed that message of ‘Welcome to our building, welcome to our franchise and welcome to the great game of hockey.’” Prior to the game, Maurice had said the team would continue with the tradition of wearing Pride sweaters after other NHL teams decided not to go through with it, but did not say if all his players would take part. Along with the special warmup sweaters, which were designed by local artist Teepop and will be auctioned off to benefit You Can Play, the Panthers also had Pride-themed merchandise for sale at the arena and online. According to the team, the Florida Panthers Foundation will “match dollar-for-dollar all funds raised by these jerseys and will donate that match back to LGBTQ+ nonprofits in the South Florida community.”
Chicago Blackhawks won’t wear Pride sweaters, cite Russian law
CHICAGO — At least one National Hockey League team with a Russian player has decided against wearing special warmup sweaters to commemorate Pride night, citing an anti-gay Kremlin law that could imperil Russian athletes when they return home.
The Chicago Blackhawks will not wear Pride-themed warmup sweaters before Sunday’s game against Vancouver, a person with knowledge of the matter told The Associated Press, because of security concerns involving the law Russian President Vladimir Putin signed in December to expand restrictions on supporting LGBTQ rights. The decision was made by the Blackhawks following discussions with security officials within and outside the franchise, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to the AP on Wednesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the move. Chicago coach Luke Richardson said he and his players were disappointed in the decision. “It’s an unfortunate situation, but that’s just what we have to deal with,” Richardson said after his team’s gameday skate in Washington. “I don’t think we can control the world issues, so that takes it out of our hands. We’re just making decisions as best we can as an organisation and for everybody.” The league declined to comment through a spokesperson, as did agent Dan Milstein, who represents Russian players on the Blackhawks and other teams. The decision comes at a time when Russian players have walked a careful line since the invasion of Ukraine, with some cautiously speaking out against the war even with family members still living in Russia. Last year, Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov ran into several roadblocks as he travelled back to the U.S., raising concerns about his safety. “There’s such a sensitivity to the topic, and you have concerns for the Russians, especially,” Buffalo Sabres captain Kyle Okposo said, emphasising that he does not “understand what it’s like to be in Russia and to grow up there. And I don’t think we’re able to speak about the psychology of those players because we don’t understand.” Chicago defenceman Nikita Zaitsev is a Moscow native, and there are other players with family in Russia or other connections to the country. Zaitsev was not made available to reporters in Washington. The Sabres and Vancouver Canucks have Pride nights upcoming. The Canucks have not announced specific plans for the event. Sabres management was scheduled to hold discussions Thursday with its player leadership group on the matter, amid concern over whether defenceman Ilya Lyubushkin will participate because he is from Moscow, where he still has family and returns in the off season to visit. Lyubushkin and his family members could face a backlash in Russia, according to a Sabres employee with knowledge of the issue. The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the discussions. Kurt Weaver, chief operating officer of the You Can Play Project, which advocates for LGBTQ participation in sports, said he was upset to learn of the Blackhawks’ decision, but he called the conversation an indicator of progress. “We are certainly disappointed that the jerseys aren’t worn, because that’s the No. 1 visual representation from the athletes themselves, and I know a lot of the athletes do support this effort and support their community that comes to watch them,” Weaver said, adding praise for the Blackhawks’ commitment to Pride causes dating back more than a decade. The Blackhawks have previously worn Pride warmup sweaters and donned special warmup sweaters on some other themed nights this season. There had been ongoing conversations with players about Pride sweaters prior to the decision, according to the person who talked to the AP. The Florida Panthers — whose star goaltender, Sergei Bobrovsky, is Russian — planned to go forward with plans to wear the sweaters Thursday night before their home game against Toronto. The sweaters are just one part of many initiatives Florida built into its annual event. The Panthers will also auction off the sweaters, then match whatever money is raised and donate to non-profits that work with the LGBTQ community. “As an organisation, we’ve decided, and rightfully so, to move forward with it and support it and celebrate it,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. “Teams around the league and players around the league, they’ve got the right to their opinion, and we’ve got the right to ours.” Ivan Provorov of the Philadelphia Flyers declined to take part in pregame warmups during the team’s Pride night in January, citing his Russian Orthodox religion. Russians Nikolai Knyzhov and Alexander Barabanov wore the Pride-themed sweaters for the San Jose Sharks Sharks on Saturday, when Canadian goaltender James Reimer refused to take part because he said it conflicted with his religious beliefs. The New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild opted not to wear Pride sweaters or use Pride stick tape as part of their events despite previously advertising they would. Blackhawks defenceman Connor Murphy said he could understand why people might be upset “when things are announced one way and then changed.” The Blackhawks have planned a variety of activities in conjunction with Sunday’s game. DJs from the LGBTQ community will play before the game and during an intermission, and the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus is slated to perform. There also are plans to highlight a couple of area businesses with ties to the LGBTQ community. “We don’t want the jerseys to represent the entirety of the night,” Blackhawks defenceman Seth Jones said. “We’re still doing a lot for the LGBTQ community, and us as players respect that. We just thought that this was best for our team. We know the organisation puts the players on the team first.” (Well, all players except the young prospects being raped by predators but other than that ...)
Maple Leafs bounce back to pound Panthers and widen lead on Tampa Bay
SUNRISE, Fla. — Auston Matthews had two goals and Matt Murray made 33 saves as the Toronto Maple Leafs throttled the Florida Panthers 6-2 on Thursday night at FLA Live Arena.
Bouncing back nicely from a discouraging 7-2 loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday night in the first of a four-game road trip, the victory pushed the Leafs five points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning — 7-2 losers to the Senators in Ottawa last night — in the chase for second place in the Atlantic Division standings and home ice in their upcoming opening playoff round showdown. Toronto also has two games in hand. Mitch Marner scored in his fourth consecutive game — into an empty Florida net when the puck bounced back to him after he tried to set up David Kampf — while William Nylander, Alex Kerfoot and Michael Bunting also scored. The goals by Nylander and Kerfoot ended scoring droughts. John Tavares contributed three assists. Murray, meanwhile, was sharp, making 33 saves to end a string of games in which he’d allowed four goals in each. He was victimised by a video review on Matthew Tkachuk’s first-period goal that tied the game 1-1. Murray appeared to make back-to-back highlight-reel saves. But after doing a blind spin-around to stop Tkachuk from scoring into an open side of the net, Murray thought he had Tkachuk’s rebound. But after a review it was ruled that the airborne puck had crossed the line. “I thought we did a good job,” Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said. “We went out and started like we did the other night (scoring first, making it eight games in a row) and tonight we stayed with it. “It’s very important (to close out games). We’ve talked a lot about that, putting ourselves in position to win and then finishing the job. We’ve had some great efforts and not closing out the way we wanted in Ottawa (an eventual shootout win), that one stung. I thought our guys did a really good job of giving them nothing (tonight).” The Leafs went with 11 forwards and seven defencemen and gave Morgan Rielly the night off. *********************** FAG BROTHERS PASS ON PRIDE SWEATERS Brothers Eric and Marc Staal of the Florida Panthers declined to wear special Pride-themed warmup sweaters ahead of the team’s loss to the Maple Leafs on Thursday. The sweaters were part of Florida’s Pride night game in support of the area’s LGBTQ community, and the brothers cited their Sky-Faerie religion as the reason for their decision. “We carry no judgement on how people choose to live their lives, and believe that all people should be welcome in all aspects of the game of hockey,” the Staal brothers said in a statement. “Having said that, we feel that by us wearing a Pride jersey it goes against our Christian beliefs.” While the Staal brothers declined to participate, Russian goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was one of the Panthers who went ahead with the Pride-themed sweaters. The Chicago Blackhawks have decided against wearing special warmup sweaters to commemorate their Pride night on Sunday, citing an anti-gay Kremlin law that could imperil Russian athletes when they return home. The decision was made by the organisation after conversations with its players.
AND NOW, SINCE I'M NOT A HOMO, A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR WOODY- A NASTY GIRL!
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