By Canadian Press

Brian Burke ‘deeply disappointed’ by NHL’s ban of on-ice support for community causes

Oct 11, 2023 | 9:42 AM

Longtime NHL executive Brian Burke says the league’s decision to ban on-ice support for community causes, which includes the use of rainbow-coloured stick tape on Pride nights, is a “surprising and serious setback.”

The NHL sent a memo to teams last week clarifying what players can and cannot do as part of theme celebrations this season. 

The updated guidance reaffirms on-ice player uniforms and gear for warmups and official team practices cannot be altered to reflect theme nights.

Burke, the executive director of the Professional Women’s Hockey League Players’ Association, said on social media that he is “deeply disappointed” by the league’s decision.

The 68-year-old says it strips teams and players of a powerful way to support causes they care about to protect the small minority of players “who do not want to answer any questions about their choices.”

International Spotlight

P.A.'s Howe one of 4 Sask. born players named to Canada's World Junior roster

10m ago

National

Ottawa to remove 30% investment cap for Canadian pension funds

3h ago

Budget woes

Golf and curling centre faces grim season without financial boost

7h ago

The NHL came under fire last season after a handful of players opted out of wearing Pride-themed jerseys, and decided in June to disallow teams from wearing themed uniforms in warmups. 

The league has said players opting out of Pride nights served as a distraction to the work its teams were doing in the community.

Burke is a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ community in hockey. In 2012, he helped launch the You Can Play project in memory of his son, Brendan, who died in a car accident in 2010. The project is targeted at ending homophobia in sports.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 11, 2023.

— With files from The Associated Press

The Canadian Press