Montreal Canadiens forward Denis Gurianov won't participate in warmup for the team's Pride night on Thursday ahead of a game against the Washington Capitals, head coach Martin St.
Louis said. The Canadiens will wear rainbow-coloured warmup jerseys as part of the Pride night celebration. St. Louis said Gurianov's decision was for family reasons. "I think anybody can say you'd always try to protect your family, so I have a tough time judging that," said St.
Louis. "[Gurianov] is a great kid, it's tough." Despite Gurianov sitting out, St. Louis stressed how important the night is for the organization. "We're all on this planet, we should love each other, and tonight's one of those nights," he said.
The jerseys will be auctioned off after the game, with proceeds benefitting You Can Play, a non-profit committed to fighting homophobia in sports, and GRIS-Montreal, a research and social intervention group which demystifies homosexuality, bisexuality and gender identities in schools.