NHL drops ban on rainbow-coloured Pride hockey stick tape

By Madeline HalpertBBC News, New York

The National Hockey League has reversed a ban on players using stick tape to express support for social causes after the rule sparked a backlash.

The league sent a memo two weeks ago stating players could not use rainbow LGBT Pride tape on their hockey sticks.

Some players had continued to use the tape despite the rule.

The NHL said on Tuesday players would "now have the option to voluntarily represent social causes with their stick tape throughout the season".

The league said it spoke with the NHL Players' Association and the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition before making the decision.

It had first established in June that its franchise teams would no longer be allowed to wear custom jerseys during pre-game warmups during theme nights, which highlight social causes such as support for the LGBT community or the military.

The decision came after several players had refused to wear rainbow-coloured Pride jerseys during some theme nights, leading to what NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman called at the time an unwanted "distraction" from the cause.

The move also banned other modifications to uniforms and sticks, including rainbow-coloured Pride tape.

Some players criticised the decision, as did former NHL executive Brian Burke, who pledged to pay the fine of any player who was punished for using the tape.

"Let's be clear: this is not inclusion or progress. This decision does not grow the game, and does not make our fans feel welcome," he said in a post on social media earlier this month.

Arizona Coyotes player Travis Dermott flouted the ban over the weekend, sporting a small amount of Pride Tape on the top part of his stick during a 21 October game.

He told the Athletic "the league's taking away our voice". with the ban.

Players use hockey tape for a number of reason, including to improve grip and stick handling and prevent stick wear and tear.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the maker of Pride tape said it was thankful for the NHL's reversal.

"We are so very grateful to everyone who believes hockey should be a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all," the company said.

"We are extremely happy that NHL players will now have the option to voluntarily represent important social causes with their stick tape throughout season."

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