Devils find loophole for players to wear Pride-themed jerseys

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Earlier this year, the NHL banned players from wearing jerseys and other equipment coinciding with their respective team’s theme nights on the ice.

But on Thursday, the New Jersey Devils found a way for players to don such sweaters off the ice.

The Devils are holding a "Hockey is for Everyone" Night – essentially a Pride Night – on Thursday against the Edmonton Oilers.

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Nico Hischier and Akira Achmid wear New Jersey Devils Pride jerseys.

The organization had a local designer, Kathryn Kennedy, design Pride-themed sweaters, and members of the team entered Prudential Center wearing them.

"Coming out is certainly something that’s not always easy, and it can take a while for someone to feel comfortable enough to do it," Kennedy said. "I can only hope that this design, and Pride Night, helps someone else feel respected, even, and welcome.

"These theme nights let people who are apart of their respective communities know that they’re seen, heard, and welcome, that this is something for them. It’s a huge honor to be involved in the Devils' Pride Night, and my hope is that I’ve created something that helps others feel accepted and appreciated."

Coordinating with the league's policy, the uniforms were not worn on the ice during warm-ups. The Devils say they will be auctioned off.

A New Jersey Devils Pride jersey

While the jerseys were not worn on the ice, members of both teams, including the best player on earth in Connor McDavid, put Pride tape on his stick during warm-ups. The league originally banned Pride tape when the new jersey regulations were put in place, but after players defied it,