NHL reverses new ban on Pride tape in warmups - ESPN

The NHL has reversed its policy on the use of colored stick tape to represent causes during games and in practices.

«After consultation with the NHL Players' Association and the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition, players will now have the option to voluntarily represent social causes with their stick tape throughout the season,» the league said in a statement on Tuesday.

The NHL announced in June that teams were no longer allowed to wear «specialty» jerseys during warmups, practices or games during nights that supported causes like Pride or military appreciation. The league further clarified that on-ice player uniforms and gear worn in warmups, official team practices and games could not be altered to reflect «specialty» theme nights.

That included the use of Pride Tape, a rainbow-colored stick tape that's been used in support of the LGBTQIA+ community for several seasons. The league told ESPN that the ban on Pride Tape was to prevent teams and players from using it as an «end around» to violate the new uniform policy.

The Pride Tape ban made international news and compelled NHL players to openly question the policy, including reigning MVP Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers.

«I've expressed disappointment in not being able to wear the various jersey or the tapes… whether that's Pride tape or pink tape,» McDavid said. «Is it something that I'd like to see back into place one day? Certainly.»

On Saturday, Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott became the first NHL player to use Pride Tape on his stick in defiance of the NHL's ban, wrapping the top of his stick with the tape.

«It's not like I'm shutting up and going away,» he told PHNX. «I know more questions are going to be coming. We're just going to be as prepared as