Winnipeg LGBTQ advocates disappointed following NHL's decision to ban themed jerseys

Devin Slippert has been a fan of the Winnipeg Jets since 2018, but the league's recent decision to ban special jerseys for pregame warmups during themed events – like Pride Night – has left them feeling disappointed.

"It's really disheartening to see that they're catering to a small but loud voice in the league of people who are really against the Pride nights, in particular," said Slippert, a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. "They're just letting the hate win."

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, in an interview with Sportsnet Thursday, suggested the league stop having teams wear special jerseys during warmups on themed nights because of some players' refusal to wear Pride jerseys caused distraction that undermined the purpose of the events.

The league's board of governors later agreed with Bettman's view, banning special jerseys for Pride nights and all other themed nights next season.

Teams can still celebrate themed nights, and create and sell jerseys to raise money for participating organizations.

"In a way it's not that shocking, just with the history of bigotry in the sport. I'm not actually that surprised to see that they've decided to cancel it all together," Slippert said.

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