The New York Rangers turned around Friday night in what was to be Pride night when the Vegas Golden Knights visited Madison Square Garden.
During the warm-up, Rangers players did not wear Pride jerseys or even use rainbow-colored tape on their sticks, despite promoting a theme night for the game.
This decision comes as a surprise as it comes ten days following Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov refused to wear a jersey in support of the LGBTQ+ community because of his Orthodox religion.
In recent seasons, Rangers players had worn Pride jerseys and sticks that were then sold at auction.
After the game, which ended in a 4-1 victory for Rangers at the hands of the Golden Knights, the New York team said: “Our organization respects the LGBTQ + community and we are proud to put forward the local community organizations on another great Pride night. We support everyone’s individual rights to express their own beliefs. »
The seventh night of Rangers Pride, however, was celebrated differently. Fans were all able to walk away with a Pride themed gift. The exterior and interior of Madison Square Garden were also illuminated in rainbow colors. The Rangers organization also made a donation to the Ali Forney Center which is dedicated to homeless LGBTQ+ youth.
Andre Thomas, co-chair of NYC Pride and Heritage of Pride, took part in the ceremonial puck drop before the game. Asked to comment on Rangers’ decision, NYC Pride said they were unaware of Rangers’ decision not to wear Pride jerseys or ribbons. They mentioned that it was a big disappointment for them.
