Florida Panthers’ Staal brothers are latest NHL stars to refuse Pride jerseys, citing ‘religious beliefs’
By Jacob Lev and Zoe Sottile, CNN
National Hockey League Florida Panthers players Eric and Marc Staal declined to attend the team’s Pride Night Thursday, citing “religious beliefs.”
The brothers did not participate in warm-up exercises where players wore Pride sweaters ahead of the team’s home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“After much thought, prayer and discussion, we have decided not to wear a Pride Night jersey tonight,” the brothers said in a statement released by the Panthers. “We don’t judge how people go about their lives and believe that all people should be welcome in all aspects of the game of hockey. However, we feel that wearing a Pride jersey goes against our Christian faith.”
“We hope you can respect that statement, we will not speak further on the matter and want to remain focused on the game and helping the Florida Panthers win the Stanley Cup.”
The Staals played in the 6-2 loss to Toronto.
Eric Staal, 38, told reporters he wanted to “stand by the statement made and released” when asked for further comment after the game.
the jerseys, posted on the official Florida Panthers Twitter accountfeature rainbow accents and an LGBT flag patch on the sleeve.
Teammate and All-Star forward Matthew Tkachuk had a different take on attending Pride Night, saying the players in the dressing room are “entitled to have their say” but he was “excited” to be a part of the event .
“For me personally, of course being out there and wearing the jerseys and enjoying and embracing a night like tonight – we only have so many of those nights during the season, whether it’s ‘Military Night’ or ‘Hockey Fights Cancer Night’ is, ‘or whatever,” Tkachuk told reporters after the game.
“For me, on a night like tonight, it’s really about getting everyone involved,” he continued. “In my opinion it’s by far the best game in the world and everyone is invited to my dressing room and our dressing room as an organization.”
According to a Florida Panthers press release, the Pride Night event will include fundraisers for LGBTQ+ nonprofit organizations and a ceremonial puck drop featuring Stuart Milk, nephew of civil rights activist Harvey Milk.
The Staals are the latest example of NHL players and clubs refusing to participate in Pride Night activities.
Last week, San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer chose not to attend the team’s week-long Pride Night celebrations, which included wearing warm-up sweaters before the game, citing his Christian faith.
The Chicago Blackhawks have decided not to wear Pride pre-match jerseys this weekend when the team holds their Pride Night. However, instead of religious beliefs, the team cited security concerns related to Russian players.
In December, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed law expanding a ban on so-called LGBTQ “propaganda” in Russia, making it illegal for anyone to promote same-sex relationships or claim that non-heterosexual orientations are “normal.”
CNN has reached out to the Panthers and the NHL for comment.
The CNN Wire
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