The Vancouver Canucks will wear themed warm-up jerseys when they host the Calgary Flames for their annual Pride celebration game Friday.
The team announced Wednesday that the jerseys will be designed by a local artist, and that a $20,000 donation will be made to QMUNITY, which is a Vancouver non-profit that supports LGBTQ people and their allies.
Vancouver Canucks to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at Pride Night, this Friday against the Calgary Flames.<br><br>DETAILS | <a href=”https://t.co/ao9UNFZRNS”>https://t.co/ao9UNFZRNS</a> <a href=”https://t.co/PqZo5CcYFV”>pic.twitter.com/PqZo5CcYFV</a>
—@Canucks
The move comes as controversy over Pride uniforms continues to bubble around the league.
A handful of players — including Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Ivan Provorov, San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer, Eric and Marc Staal of the Florida Panthers, and Buffalo Sabres blue liner Ilya Lyubushkin — have declined to wear Pride-themed jerseys.
Canucks defenceman Quinn Hughes says there wasn’t debate in the locker room about wearing them.
“I think everyone in this room is looking forward to it,” he said. “And I know in our organization, everyone’s welcome.
Canucks president of business operations Michael Doyle said in a statement that celebrating the LGBTQ community is important to the entire organization.
“Pride night and all the incredible activities that highlight this evening, is special for a number of reasons,” he said.
“Besides raising awareness and understanding, it also lets our fan base know that everyone is welcome here at Rogers Arena. Our club believes strongly in diversity and inclusion, and we look forward to celebrating these core values with our community.”
WATCH | Handful of players object to wearing Pride jerseys:
Canadian NHL players Mark and Eric Staal are the latest to join a handful of others who are refusing to wear Pride-themed warm-up jerseys in support of the LGBTQ community. It’s ignited a debate over inclusivity and personal freedom in pro-hockey.