Earlier this month, the NHL decided that teams will no longer be permitted to wear the special Pride warmup uniforms before games with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman claiming that the jerseys caused “a distraction.” But it sounds like that decision is not very popular with Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid.
During an interview at the NHL Awards Ceremony on Monday where he was awarded this year’s Hart Trophy, Connor McDavid was asked about the new change, giving him a chance to express his opinion on the move. And he revealed that he is not happy, calling it “disappointing to see” from the league.
“I certainly can’t speak for every organization. I know in Edmonton, we were one of the first teams to use the Pride tape,” McDavid said Monday at the NHL’s award ceremony according to Fox News. “I know in Edmonton, in our dressing room, we strongly feel that hockey is for everybody. That includes the Pride nights and stuff like that.
“Of course, it’s disappointing to see. With that being said, it’s certainly way, way above my decision. It’s not my call, but obviously, it’s disappointing to see.”
It’s pretty clear where McDavid stands on the issue, and it generated plenty of reactions on social media.
connor mcdavid has always loved gays btw pic.twitter.com/EiAqwN1ZtX
— ^•u•^ (@p1nfluencer) June 28, 2023
you either die a hero or live long enough to see connor mcdavid crowned a leftist icon by fox news watchers
— kath 🌸 (@KathFF) June 28, 2023
https://twitter.com/offseasonvibes/status/1674144477223723010?s=20
https://twitter.com/saviorified/status/1674138919871586305?s=20
If you looked up "ally" in the dictionary… This is a strong message and I am HERE for it! https://t.co/IFUiq7UnsX
— Michael Bolling (@mikealexbolling) June 27, 2023
McDavid is often accused, rightly so, for being fairly vanilla. His answers are usually very crafted, saying nothing strongly, like he was a machine created in a Hockey Boy factory, which he kind of was.
So especially for him, this is as about as clear and direct as it gets. https://t.co/1dx7m7WH3u
— WheatNOil (@WheatNOil) June 27, 2023
He’s a wet rag but this is still more of a firm and impassioned stance of support than 98% of the league https://t.co/9ILWAiBEHW
— Adriana “AMac” 🐙 Motor City Majesty (@Adri_Unsung) June 27, 2023
Despite the change, teams can still hold Pride nights and other themed events throughout the year – they just can’t wear the special jerseys.
[Fox News]
