Rangers Decide Not to Wear LGBTQ-Themed Warmup Jerseys on Pride Night

The New York Rangers Their seventh annual Pride Night Friday was a success, but something was missing.

After advertising previously that the team would wear pride-themed jerseys Rainbow tape was used in warmups by players, but not by players.

To celebrate Pride Night, rainbow-colored lights will be projected onto Madison Square Garden’s ceiling. 
(Brad Penner/Getty Images)

When asked why pride jerseys were not worn as, the answer was “No.” Pre-plannedFox News Digital was informed by the Rangers that the Rangers had released the following statement:

“Our organization respects the LGBTQ+ community, and we are proud to bring attention to important local community organizations as part of another great Pride Night. In keeping with our organization’s core values, we support everyone’s individual right to respectfully express their beliefs.”

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Barclay Goodrow from the New York Rangers at Pride Night, prior to a match against Los Angeles Kings at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 24, 2023. 
(Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images

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One player said the New York Post He did not know why the jerseys had been removed.

Andre Thomas was co-chairman of NYC Pride. The Rangers had Andre Thomas for the ceremonial puck drops. They also contributed to the Ali Forney Center (an agency that supports homeless youth in the LGBTQ+ communities).

Blueshirts have worn the jerseys in the past two seasons and used the tape. The jerseys were previously sold for charity.

Igor Shesterkin from the New York Rangers is wearing a special jersey during warmups, in commemoration of Pride Night.
(Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images

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Backlash against the Rangers’ decision was strong.

USA Today called it a “botched” Celebration, while others offered opinions on why the team changed course.

This happens two weeks later Philadelphia Flyers Defenseman Ivan Provorov didn’t wear a LGBTQ-themed jersey to Pride Night because of his religious beliefs.

Zac Jones, New York Rangers, skates with a stick adorned for “Pride Night” Warmups before a game against Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden May 3, 20,21 in New York City. 
(Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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“I respect everybody and I respect everybody’s choices,” Provorov spoke to reporters After the Jan. 19, game. “My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That’s all I’m going to say.”

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