Another NHL Player Refuses To Wear Pride Night Jersey

An NHL player on the Montreal Canadiens elected not to wear the team’s LGBT-themed Pride Night jerseys during warmups on Thursday.

Denis Gurianov, the Canadiens forward, decided not to participate in the warmups due to family reasons, head coach Martin St. Louis said, Fox News reported.

St. Louis refused to suggest he was disappointed in the player’s decision. “I haven’t walked a day in (Gurianov’s) shoes. I know one thing…you should always try to protect your family. So I have a tough time judging that.”

Gurianov joins a list of six other NHL players who have opted out of warmups due to the Pride-themed jerseys. Most of these players, including Gurianov, are Russian and may be worried they could face repercussions from their homeland should they support the LGBT community.

“A Russian law restricts propaganda’ about LGBTQ+ people, including in advertising, media and the arts,” the Washington Times reported.

Martin St Louis confirms Denis Gurianov won’t wear the pride jersey during warmups tonight. It’s pride night at the Bell Centre and Gurianov fears repercussions for his family back in Russia, according to St Louis. pic.twitter.com/cEnJZjdEiE

— Dan Spector (@danspector) April 6, 2023

Mentioning Gurianov, the Canadiens publicized a statement reaffirming their support for the Pride Night. “We were made aware that one of our players has chosen to not wear the special Pride jersey ahead of tonight’s game for family reasons, and as such, he will not participate in the warmups with his teammates.”

“While we understand the decision, we also hope the focus of attention remains where it belongs: on evolving as a society to be more accepting and welcoming of all, without exception.”

The head coach, St. Louis, also reaffirmed his support for the LGBT community. “We’re all on this planet. We should love each other, and tonight’s one of those nights (to show that). The Montreal Canadiens really care about this night, and so do I.”