Provorov Refuses to Wear Flyers’ Pride-Night Jersey

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov created headlines and spurred heavy social media reaction Tuesday night when he didn’t participate in a pregame warmup because he declined to wear the team’s LGBTQ+ and Pride Night-warm up jersey for religious reasons.

He did play in the Flyers’ 5-2 win against the Anaheim Ducks because the team wore a regular jersey.

“I respect everyone. I respect everybody’s choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion,” Provorov said after the game.

Provorov didn’t answer any questions from the media about his stance. He confirmed that his religion is Russian Orthodox.

The Flyers issued this statement: “The Philadelphia Flyers’ organization is committed to inclusivity and is proud to support the LGBTQ+ community. Many of our players are active in their support of local LGBTQ+ organizations, and we were proud to host our annual Pride Night again this year. The Flyers will continue to be strong advocates for inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ community.”

The NHL has formally embraced a “Hockey is for everyone” theme since  2013. NHL players have appeared on promotional videos preaching inclusivity in the sport.

The Flyers’ special warmup jersey included a rainbow pattern on the nameplate and numbers. Plus, players’ sticks were wrapped in Pride-themed tape. The jerseys and sticks will be auctioned off for charity.

Provorov was the only Flyers player who didn’t go on the ice for the warm up.

Flyers coach John Tortorella said he never considered not playing Provorov in the game.

“With (Provorov), he’s being true to himself and to his religion,” Tortorella said. “This has to do with his belief and his religion. It’s one thing I respect about Provy. He’s always true to himself. And so that’s where I am with that.”

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🎩 Flyers' All-Star Kevin Hayes scores 1st NHL hat trick in 5-2 win over the Ducks. The 6'5" forward scored the lone goal of the first period, added his second off an in-tight 2-on-1 early in the third, and capped off his hat trick with an empty netter with under a minute left in regulation (watch all 3 goals here). The 30-year-old forward ranks second on the Flyers with 40 points in 44 games, trailing only Travis Konecny. 

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