The NHL, John Tortorella comment on Ivan Provorov’s boycott of the Flyers’ Pride Night festivities
"Players are free to decide which initiatives to support, and we continue to encourage their voices," the league said.
In the wake of Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov’s decision to sit out warmups on Tuesday night against the Anaheim Ducks to avoid wearing a Pride Night-themed jersey, the NHL replied to The Inquirer’s request for comment on Wednesday.
“Hockey is for Everyone is the umbrella initiative under which the League encourages Clubs to celebrate the diversity that exists in their respective markets, and to work to achieve more welcoming and inclusive environments for all fans,” the NHL said in the statement. “Clubs decide whom to celebrate, when and how — with League counsel and support. Players are free to decide which initiatives to support, and we continue to encourage their voices and perspectives on social and cultural issues.”
» READ MORE: Ivan Provorov shuns LGBTQ+ community as Flyers miss a chance to make a difference on Pride night
After the game, Provorov cited his desire “to stay true to [himself] and [his] religion” by not wearing the Pride jersey. Provorov said that he is Russian Orthodox.
Provorov was the only Flyer on the game roster who did not participate in warmups, and was the only Flyer who did not wear the Pride-themed jersey. Defenseman Justin Braun, who was ultimately a healthy scratch, took part in pregame line rushes in Provorov’s place alongside Cam York on the top pairing.
Although he did not skate with the team in warmups, Provorov suited up against the Ducks, logging a team-high 22 minutes, 45 seconds of ice time. After the game, coach John Tortorella said that he did not consider scratching Provorov for not wearing the warmup jersey. He also said that he “respect[s]” Provorov’s decision to be “true to himself.”
Tortorella joined 97.5 The Fanatic for his weekly radio appearance on Wednesday and continued to react to Provorov’s decision, citing his “respect” once more for his defenseman.
“It’s his beliefs,” Tortorella said. “I think people need to respect other people’s beliefs and not force their thoughts onto other people.”
Tortorella added that after the game, the team, including staff members, took between 15 and 20 minutes after the game to discuss “this whole situation.” He refuted the notion that Provorov’s decision has divided the locker room.
“Provy was very honest,” Tortorella said. “[Flyers LGBTQ+ initiative leader Scott] Laughton was very honest. And we communicated amongst one another on how we are going to send our message. So for people thinking it divided the room, I look at it another way. I thought it brought us closer together. It was a tremendous experience for all of us.”
Additionally, the You Can Play Project issued a statement on the heels of Provorov’s decision from co-founder Brian Kitts on Wednesday morning via Twitter.
Kitts, who founded You Can Play in 2012 with former Flyers scout Patrick Burke and Glenn Witman to “ensure the safety and inclusion of all LGBTQ people in sports,” focused on the significance of Pride Night and did not mention Provorov by name.
“Wearing Pride colors, or other displays in support of social justice, show respect for fans, staff, and athletes who support a team’s mission to win,” Kitts wrote. “The focus is on including everyone who can display the heart, talent, and commitment to teamwork — regardless of sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, religion, and other things that make us unique as athletes, fans, and people. Religion and support for fans and teammates aren’t mutually exclusive.
» READ MORE: Ivan Provorov cited his Russian Orthodox faith in sitting out the Flyers’ Pride Night warmup. Here’s what that means.
“The Flyers have been among the first and most consistent teams in sports supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion. There is still work to be done to change hearts and minds and the You Can Play Team looks forward to continuing our efforts.”
In 2013, the NHL and NHLPA first partnered with You Can Play in an effort to make the NHL “the most inclusive professional sports league in the world,” You Can Play said in the announcement at the time. The partnership included a commitment to education for teams, players, media, and fans.
That year, the Florida Panthers were the first team to host a Pride Night. Now, all 32 NHL teams hold an annual Pride Night as part of the NHL’s Hockey is for Everyone campaign.
At this year’s Pride Night, the Flyers hosted a pregame skate for members of the Greater Philadelphia G.O.A.L. organization, which aims to advocate for and support LGBTQ first responders and military members. The Flyers also presented Greater Philadelphia G.O.A.L. with a check for $5,000 during the game. Flyers Pride ambassadors James van Riemsdyk and Laughton held a meet-and-greet with the group after the game.
Last year, van Riemsdyk and Laughton began a program to support Philadelphia-area LGBTQ youth. This season, they’ve continued to provide four game tickets and Flyers gear to local LGBTQ organizations for 20 home games.