Chicago Blackhawks say they will NOT wear Pride-themed warmup jerseys against Vancouver

The Chicago Blackhawks will not wear Pride-themed warmup jerseys before Sunday’s Pride Night game against Vancouver because of security concerns involving a Russian law that expands restrictions on activities seen as promoting LGBTQ rights in the country.

The decision was made by the NHL organization following discussions with security officials within and outside the franchise, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to the AP on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the move.

The Blackhawks have worn Pride warmup jerseys previously and donned special warmup jerseys on some other themed nights this season. 

There had been ongoing conversations about a Pride jersey with the players, according to the person who talked to the AP, but the organization made the decision to hold Pride Night without the jerseys this year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law in December that significantly expands restrictions on activities seen as promoting LGBTQ rights in the country. 

The Chicago Blackhawks will not be wearing Pride-themed warmups on their Pride night 

Recently, two players on the San Jose Sharks and a player on the LA Kings wore Pride jerseys

But the Sharks’ James Reimer – who never played on their Pride night – chose to publicly release a statement saying he wouldn’t warm up with the team because of his beliefs

Chicago defenseman Nikita Zaitsev is a Moscow native, and there are other players with family in Russia or other connections to the country.

The decision by the Blackhawks comes after San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer and Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov refused to take part in warmups with Pride-themed jerseys. 

The New York Rangers opted not to wear Pride jerseys or use Pride stick tape as part of their night in January despite previously advertising that plan.

Additionally, the Minnesota Wild reportedly went back on plans to wear Pride jerseys during warmups. 

Russians Nikolai Knyzhov and Alexander Barabanov wore the Pride-themed jerseys for the Sharks on Saturday as did Vladislav Gavrikov of the Kings in their Pride night against the Canucks.

While Chicago will go without Pride warmup jerseys this year, the team has planned a variety of activities in conjunction with Sunday’s game. 

DJs from the LGBTQ community will play before the game and during an intermission, and the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus also is slated to perform. 

There also are plans to highlight a couple of area businesses with ties to the LGBTQ community.