Reimer to boycott Sharks' warmup skate before Pride Night game

San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer will boycott the team's warmup skate before its home game against the New York Islanders on Saturday because his teammates will wear jerseys that support the LGBTQIA+ community.

As part of a weeklong series of events that the team says «continue a long-standing commitment of allyship with the LGBTQIA+ community,» San Jose players will wear special jerseys for Sharks Pride Night that are designed by Houyee Chow, a queer artist from San Jose. The jerseys, featuring a Pride crest and a «Love Wins» patch, will be auctioned off after the game for charity to raise funds for Adolescent Counseling Services.

Reimer said the Pride Night jerseys conflict with his Christian beliefs. He will be available to play in the game, according to coach David Quinn.

«For all 13 years of my NHL career, I have been a Christian — not just in title but in how I choose to live my daily. I have a personal faith in Jesus Christ, who died on a cross for my sins and, in response, asks me to love everyone and to follow Him. I have no hate in my heart for anyone and I have always strived to treat everyone that I encounter with respect and kindness,» Reimer said in a statement.

A statement from Goaltender, James Reimer: pic.twitter.com/GwhWxhbmb4

«In this specific instance, I am choosing not to endorse something that is counter to my personal convictions which are based on the Bible, the highest authority in my life. I strongly believe that every person has value and worth and the LGBTQIA+ community, like all others, should be welcomed in all aspects of the game of hockey.»

Reimer, who is in his second year in San Jose, started discussions with the team regarding Pride Night almost a year ago. The team has publicly