Flyers’ Ivan Provorov boycotts Pride Night fixture, cites religion

American has encountered a Pride jersey scandal of its own after own star opened up on his reasons for boycotting the event.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov has skipped warm-ups for his NHL team’s Pride game against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday morning, refusing to wear a Pride Night jersey or use sticks wrapped in rainbow tape.

Provorov cited his Russian Orthodox beliefs, telling reporters after the Flyers’ 5-2 win that he chose to “stay true to myself and my religion”.

“I respect everybody’s choices,” he said.

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The Flyers have hosted the annual Pride Night fixture before, with players using rainbow tape on their sticks (with Provorov abstaining in the past).

Ivan Provorov (L) boycotted his team’s pride-themed warmup against the Anaheim Ducks, citing religious grounds. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

2023 marks the first time the organisation wore pride jerseys, reportedly a player-driven initiative to signify their support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Provorov’s Flyers teammates Scott Laughton and James van Riemsdyk have been staunch supporters of the LGBTQ+ community, partnering with non-profits in Philadelphia and hosting members of the community at every home game, providing them with signed merchandise and complimentary tickets.

Laughton told local publication Broad Street Hockey that “it doesn’t matter who you love at the end of the day, if you want to play hockey, you should be able to, and that’s the biggest part of (Pride Night)”.

The Philadelphia Flyers' mascot, Gritty, is known for their presence at Pride events around the city. Photo: Outsports

Kurt Weaver, COO of the NHL’s social activism partner You Can Play, said Provorov’s actions “negatively impacted” understanding and inclusion in the sport.

“It’s disappointing to see that’s the outcome from this.”

The Flyers released a statement after the game, saying: “The Flyers organisation is committed to inclusivity and is proud to support the LGBTQ+ community.

“Many of our players are active in their support of local LGBTQ+ organisations, and we were proud to host our annual Pride Night again this year.

“The Flyers will continue to be strong advocates for inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ community.”

The NHL said in a statement that players were “free to decide which initiatives to support.”

“We continue to encourage their voices and perspectives on social and cultural issues.”

#Flyers Ivan Provorov on his Pride Night pregame boycott :
“My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion.” pic.twitter.com/YSFKvkyEJC

— Dan Gelston (@APgelston) January 18, 2023

The move has sparked debate on social media, with TSN hockey commentator Gord Miller saying “the Flyers should have responded by not allowing him to play in the game.”

Senior hockey writer for The Athletic, Pierre LeBrun said “if he (respected) everyone, he would have taken part in the warm-up and worn the Pride Night jersey.”

“Don’t hide behind religion.”

SB Nation writer Sie Morley said the “current moral panic over trans people” was to blame for this Pride Round being a particular flashpoint.

Lead Flyers writer for The Athletic, Charlie O’Connor, said Provorov’s decision “contradicted the entire message (of Pride Night) and was an embarrassment for the (Flyers) organisation.”

It is reminiscent of recent boycotts of Pride fixtures and celebrations in Australian sport, with seven Manly Sea Eagles players refusing to wear the club’s one-off pride jersey against the Roosters in July last year, boycotting the club’s eventual 20-10 defeat at 4 Pines Park.

The ‘Manly Seven’ refused to wear a one-off Pride jersey in July last year. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Wide World of Sports at the time reported that a young gay Sea Eagles player was “shocked” by the boycott, having previously thought he would have been accepted within the club for who he is.

Former Sea Eagles great Ian Roberts, the first rugby league player to come out as openly gay, said it left him broken-hearted.

“It’s sad and uncomfortable,” he said.

“I can promise you every young kid on the northern beaches who is dealing with their sexuality would have heard about this.”

Originally published as Flyers’ Ivan Provorov boycotts Pride Night fixture, cites religion