Athlete Ally Celebrates NHL Pride Tape Reversal
October 24, 2023 — Athlete Ally responded today to news that the National Hockey League (NHL) has reversed their ban, announced earlier this month, of on-ice player use of Pride tape. This follows news that on Saturday, October 21, Travis Dermott of the Arizona Coyotes used Pride tape despite the NHL ban.
“Athlete Ally is thrilled that the NHL has listened to the voices of hockey players and fans who want to see the sport they deeply love allow them to celebrate who they are, and what they care about,” said Hudson Taylor, Founder and Executive Director of Athlete Ally. “On-ice support for Pride, cancer awareness, military appreciation and other themed celebrations allow players to spread awareness and galvanize action on the issues that matter to them. Especially in a sport where we see so few out players, supporting Pride is a way for teams and players to signal their allyship loud and clear. Hockey will only become more inclusive when players, teams, coaches and fans have the power to change the culture of their sport.”