Flyers Head Coach Says Ivan Provorov “Did Nothing Wrong” When He Boycotted Pride Night Festivities

Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella defended defenseman Ivan Provorov on Thursday as the player came under fire for skipping the organization’s Pride festivities to support the LGBTQ+ community.

Provorov was labeled “homophobic” onlineHe was advised by an NHL analyst to return to Russia. “get involved” Conflict between Ukraine and Ukraine 

Ahead of the team’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Tortorella addressed the issue. He stated that he didn’t worry about the impact the controversy would have on the locker room. He said Provorov approached him about not wearing the jersey before Tuesday’s game.

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Nov. 8, 2022 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov (9) plays against the St. Louis Blues in Wells Fargo Center.
(Eric Hartline – USA TODAY Sports).

“Not for a second,” Tortorella said, via TSN. “The meeting, the 15 to 20 minutes we spent together, was really healthy. [A] really good process in a very important situation.

“It is a bonding experience for the team. It’s not something I worry about. Not a chance.”

Tortorella went on to say that Provorov “Did nothing wrong” and strongly defended him.

“Provy was right.” he added. “Even if you disagree with his decision, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he did something wrong.”

The longtime hockey coach then drew from his own experience when he received backlash for his rant on players kneeling during the national anthem.

Nov 13, 2022 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA; John Tortorella is the Philadelphia Flyers head coach during a match against Dallas Stars at Wells Fargo Center. 
(Eric Hartline – USA TODAY Sports).

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“Let me put it to you this way. My experience, back in ’16, when I was asked a question about the flag. . . . ‘If a player sits [for the anthem] what would you do?’ and I said, ‘They would sit the rest of the game.’ I was wrong,” Tortorella said. “I learned a lot through that experience. My feelings towards any type of protest to the flag, during the anthem, it disgusts me. To this day, it disgusts me. It shouldn’t be done. Those are my feelings; I can’t push those feelings onto someone else. So, I was wrong in saying that back then.

” . . . The same situation here. Provy isn’t out banging the drum against Pride Night. He continued to do his normal business. We had many conversations and he was open to discussing how we were going to do it. You have your team, you’ve got him, you’ve all the goings-on, talked a lot and have the whole thing there. He was strongly committed to his beliefs, and he kept them in mind.

Jan 11, 2023, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Ivan Provorov (9), Philadelphia Flyers defenseman, playing against Washington Capitals at Wells Fargo Center.
(Eric Hartline – USA TODAY Sports).

Provorov didn’t participate in pregame warmups when the team wore Pride-themed jerseys and used sticks wrapped in rainbow Pride tape. He cited his Russian Orthodox religion as the reason why he didn’t participate. He played against the final score. Anaheim Ducks.

“I respect everybody and I respect everybody’s choices,” After the game, he spoke out to reporters. “My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That’s all I’m going to say.”

“Just because you don’t agree with his decision, doesn’t mean he did anything wrong.”

— Flyers coach John Tortorella.

Russia native and Flyers player, Vladimir Putin, was criticized on social media for his boycott.

Despite calls for punishment, The NHL didn’t appear to be ready to fine or ban anyone over Provorov’s decision.

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“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 league said In a 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.”

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