NHL to reverse its ban on players using pride tape

The NHL lifted a ban on players restricting the use of pride tape on their hockey sticks.

The NHL’s board of governors decided earlier this year that its players could neither use pride-themed tape nor show support for special initiatives on the ice for the 2023-2024 season. Arizona Coyotes player Travis Dermott defied the ban by using pride tape during a game on Saturday night.

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“After consultation with the NHL Player’s Association and the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition, Players will now have the option to voluntarily represent social causes with their stick tape throughout the season,” the NHL’s statement read.

Dermott’s defiance of the ban on Saturday made him the first NHL player to do so. When asked if he would face any sort of discipline for defying the league’s ban, the NHL said it would review the situation “in due time,” according to the Athletic.

Jeff McLean, one of the co-founders of Pride Tape, told the outlet that Dermott had ordered a shipment of tape from his company last week and intended to use the tape throughout this NHL season.

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The NHL’s ban on the tape has been criticized by former NHL Executive Vice President Brian Burke, who argued that the choice to ban the tape “stripped clubs of a powerful community outreach tool and removed meaningful support for Special Initiatives.” He also said the ban was enacted “to protect a select few who do not want to answer any questions about their choices.”

“I hope the NHL reconsiders in order to remain a leader in DEI,” a statement from Burke read.