Chicago Blackhawks Won't Wear Pride-Themed Jerseys For Pride Night

CHICAGO — The Chicago Blackhawks had planned to wear Pride-themed warmups prior to their game with the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday but announced on Wednesday night that they will not, citing safety concerns for Russian-born players.

The Hawks have worn the jerseys in the past, along with other themed jerseys for St. Patrick’s Day and other events. However, the Hawks became the third NHL team this season to announce that they would not wear the jerseys, which feature rainbow-colored jerseys and logos, after the decision was made by team officials and not the players, The Athletic and Associated Press reported.

The Minnesota Wild and New York Rangers have also not worn the warm-up jerseys after Russian President Vladimir Putin passed a law in December prohibiting Russian citizens from promoting or praising the LGBTQ lifestyle or any propaganda surrounding the matter.

The Hawks have three players on their roster of Russian heritage or with family members living in Russia, including defenseman Nikita Zaitsev, forward Philipp Kurashev and goaltender Anton Khudobin.

The Athletic reported that players had previously agreed to wear the jerseys before Saturday’s game, which is Pride Night at the United Center. Events planned for the evening include performances by the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, DJ Zel and the Chicago Gay Hockey Association is scheduled to skate during intermission.

Hawks alternate captain Patrick Murphy told the Athletic two weeks ago that it was disappointing to see other teams decide not to wear the jerseys on the scheduled Pride Night.

“I don’t think we have anyone, that I know of, that wouldn’t support that,” Murphy told The Athletic recently. “I think it was surprising to see that stuff came up this year. We’ve been doing it for so many years, so it’s not like it’s a new subject. … It is a bit disappointing (to see around the league). It seems like we have so many other nights, and nobody raises any issues. Hockey is about inclusion, about growing the community and the game. I don’t see why anyone would have a need to feel like they don’t support a certain group. If it’s about the game and about bringing everyone together and about equality, everyone should always be supportive of that.”

Murphy, in speaking to reporters on Thursday, said the decision was made over the heads of players.

"A jersey is a jersey. It's more important that we are supporting the cause as an organization," Murphy said. "Whether we're wearing the jersey or not, that's the organization's decision."

Asked on Thursday if he understands the public's frustration with the decision, Hawks coach Luke Richardson said, "We're right there along with them," he said. "The organization, because they had to make a decision and it's a tough one, are just as disappointed as anybody. It's an unfortunate situation."

The Hawks have been under a bit of a microscope on issues involving sexual orientation ever since former prospect Kyle Beach came out with allegations that he was sexually assaulted by a former video coach in 2010. An investigation conducted by a Chicago law firm found that several former front office executives and former Hawks coach Joel Quenneville were aware of the allegations and did nothing at the time.

After former general manager Stan Bowman resigned and other remaining front office staff members were fired following the release of the report, the Hawks vowed to do more to promote inclusiveness throughout the organization. Team officials said previously that they would allow players to wear the Pride-themed warm-ups on Pride night, and that Russian players could choose to opt-out due to the law in their home country.

But that changed on Wednesday when the team announced its decision.

“We do not condone anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric, and we stand firmly with the community,” the team said in a released statement on Wednesday. “While we know gameday celebrations like these are an important way we can use our platform to bring visibility, it is the work we do together 365 days a year that can create true impact in ensuring all of our colleagues, fans, and communities feel welcomed and safe within our sport.”