Vancouver Canucks to wear Pride jerseys

The Vancouver Canucks have confirmed that players will wear Pride-themed warmup jerseys when they celebrate the 2SLGTBQIA+ community on March 31.

There has been much speculation in recent weeks as to whether the organization’s players would opt out of wearing the jerseys.

Vancouver Canucks to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at Pride Night, this Friday against the Calgary Flames.

DETAILS | https://t.co/ao9UNFZRNS pic.twitter.com/PqZo5CcYFV

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 29, 2023

This comes after a handful of players on other NHL teams decided not to wear Pride jerseys on their own such nights, citing concerns over an anti-gay Kremlin law that could imperil Russian athletes when they return home.

“The opportunity to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is very important to our entire organization,” said Michael Doyle, president, Canucks Sports & Entertainment, Business Operations.

“Pride night and all the incredible activities that highlight this evening is special for a number of reasons. 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.”

In addition to the jerseys, the Canucks say a $20,000 donation on behalf of the Canucks for Kids Fund will be made to QMUNITY, a non-profit organization in Vancouver that supports and assists 2SLGBTQ+ people and their allies.

The Canucks’ Pride Night is taking place on Friday, when the team hosts the Calgary Flames.

According to The Associated Press, the Chicago Blackhawks, who have at least three players with connections to Russia, said earlier this month players wouldn’t wear Pride-themed jerseys because of security concerns involving the law, which expands restrictions on supporting LGBTQ rights.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed it in December.

-With files from The Associated Press