The National Hockey League (NHL) is reportedly planning to ban teams on the rink from wearing special warm-up jerseys, such as the rainbow-colored one in support of LGBTQ+ causes, starting this season.

Commissioner Gary Bettman made the announcement via the Sportsnet network as he presented the conclusions of the league governors’ meeting on Thursday. According to officials, last year’s jerseys were a distraction.

“I have suggested to clubs that it would be appropriate not to change their shirts during warm-up as it becomes a distraction,” he said. All of our clubs hold celebrations in one way or another to honor different groups or causes, and we want them to continue to receive the attention they deserve without causing distraction.”

In 2022-2023, it was mainly the Pride kit that caused debate. Several athletes refrained from donning the gear honoring the LGBTQ+ community due to their religious beliefs or opinions.

“The efforts of these causes have been sidelined by the distraction of which team or which player [portera le chandail]. That way we keep our focus on the game and on special nights on the causes,” Bettman said.

Themed games, whether honoring First Nations, the armed forces or the fight against cancer, will not go away and the special jerseys will continue to be produced and sold by the NHL. Players could still wear them, but not during warm-up.

An agent reacts strongly

Popular players’ agent Allan Walsh reacted violently to the news on Twitter earlier this evening.

“This decision by the NHL is cowardly,” he wrote. Pride parties, military, black history, fight cancer… 99% of gamers had no problem wearing them. It’s typical of the NHL to go 100 km/h in the opposite direction!”