NHL's Pride Tape ban is 'serious setback,' Brian Burke says - ESPN

Former NHL executive Brian Burke has sharply criticized the league's decision to ban players from using the rainbow-colored stick tape in support of the LGBTQ+ community this season.

Burke, who spent six years as the NHL's executive vice president and director of hockey operations, said Wednesday in a statement posted to social media that the leaguewide ban on Rainbow Tape removes meaningful support to protect a select few who don't want to answer questions about their choices.

«This is not inclusion or progress,» Burke, now president of the PWHL Players Association, said. «Fans look to teams and the league to show they are welcome, and this directive closes a door that's been open for the last decade. Make no mistake, this 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, including a ban on the use of Rainbow Tape for the Pride nights that have become a hot-button issue in hockey.

The updated guidance reaffirms on-ice player uniforms and gear for games, warmups and official team practices cannot be altered to reflect theme nights, including Pride, Hockey Fights Cancer or military appreciation celebrations. Players can voluntarily participate in themed celebrations off the ice.

Pride Tape co-founder Kristopher Wells told SportsNet that he has received calls from «a number of NHL players» about the league's decision.

«I would not be surprised at all if you saw an NHL player use Pride Tape, regardless of what the NHL said,» Wells told SportsNet. «I think the players will find a way to make their own statements.

»We've had people from across the hockey world contact us and express their disappointment with this