Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov boycotted Tuesday’s pre-game skate over his refusal to wear a Pride-themed warmup jersey. The 26-year-old cited his Russian Orthodox faith for the decision, which has divided hockey fans.
‘I respect everybody’s choices,’ Provorov said logging 23 minutes in the Flyers’ 5-2 win over visiting Anaheim. ‘My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That’s all I’m going to say.’
He did not answer any follow-up questions about his decision.
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov boycotted Tuesday’s pre-game skate over his refusal to wear a Pride-themed warmup jersey. The 26-year-old cited his Russian Orthodox faith for the decision, which has divided hockey fans
The hockey world was quickly split over Provorov’s decision and post-game comment.
Coach John Tortorella defended Provorov, saying the Russian defenseman ‘was true to himself and to his religion.’
‘It’s one thing I respect about Provy, he’s always true to himself,’ Tortorella said.
But some leading media members attacked Provorov for his decision, and the reasoning behind it.
‘But Provorov obviously does not respect ”everyone,”’ tweeted TSN’s Pierre LeBrun. ‘If he did respect everyone, he would have taken part in warm-up and worn the Pride Night jersey. Don’t hide behind religion.’
Samuel Errson #33 of the Philadelphia Flyers looks on while standing in the tunnel that leads to the ice surface for warmups prior to his game against Anaheim at the Wells Fargo Center
Joel Farabee #86, Rasmus Ristolainen #55, Carter Hart #79, and Cam York #45 of the Philadelphia Flyers skate during warmups prior to their game against the Anaheim Ducks
SB Nation’s NHL editor Steph Driver pointed out that the Wells Fargo Center, home to the Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers, was the first to threaten ejection for fans using homophobic slurs.
‘Ivan Provorov was allowed to play in a game for the Philadelphia Flyers – the organization that was the first to say that you will be removed from the arena if you utter a homophobic slur – after refusing to wear a Pride logo for warm ups,’ Driver tweeted. ‘What an absolute disgrace.’
But many fans lined up to support Provorov.
‘Love his courage and his right to stand for his belief,’ tweeted one supporter. ‘I can’t wait to the day it cycles around to where this is the popular choice versus today you have to agree with others belief. He said it well, he respects everyone, but believes differently.’
The Flyers would go on to defeat the visiting Anaheim Ducks, 5-2, on Tuesday in Philadelphia
Flyers players James van Riemsdyk and Scott Laughton have been staunch supporters of the community and launched a program in support of local LGBTQ+ youth in the greater Philadelphia area.
Laughton and van Riemsdyk met after the game with about 50 people in the LGBTQ+ community. Laughton said overall the Flyers had a ‘great, great night that brings a lot of awareness.’
Laughton said there would be more conversations ahead with Provorov, who moved from Russia to the United States as a teenager. He signed a six-year, $40.5 million contract before the 2019 season and won the Barry Ashbee Trophy as the Flyers´ outstanding defenseman in his rookie season, the youngest Philadelphia player to receive the honor.
‘I don’t hold anything against anyone,’ Laughton said. ‘It’s nothing like that. It was an awesome night and I’m very happy we got a win on a night like this.’
All-Star forward Kevin Hayes, who had a hat trick in the win over Anaheim, said ‘it’s not for me to answer’ when asked how he felt about Provorov’s decision.
The Wells Fargo Center was decorated Tuesday night in rainbow hues representing the LGBTQ+ community through special pride-themed arena LEDs, décor and rainbow-themed team merchandise.
‘The Philadelphia Flyers organization is committed to inclusivity and is proud to support the LGBTQ+ community,’ the team said in a statement after the game. ‘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 also champions the You Can Play Project, which aims to ensure equality, respect and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation. The NHL has never had an openly gay active player.
The Tampa Bay Rays shared the custom made uniforms for its Pride Night event on June 4 on social media. Five players on the team refused to wear them, wearing their regular uniforms instead
This is hardly the first time Pride celebration has divided professional athletes.
In June, a number of Tampa Bay Rays players decided not to wear rainbow-colored logos on their uniforms as part of the team’s annual ‘Pride Night.’
Reliever Jason Adam was among those who opted out, and said it was a ‘faith-based decision’ for him.
‘It’s just what we believe the lifestyle he’s [Jesus] encouraged us to live for our good, not to withhold,’ Adam told the Tampa Bay Times. ‘But we love these men and women, we care about them and we want them to feel safe and welcome here.’
The 31-year-old shared his comments on Tuesday after five of his teammates who opted not to wear LGBTQ colors on their uniforms
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