Gary Bettman Lauds NHL Rivalry, Pride Nights Despite Leaguewide Discrepancies
The NHL has seen a surge in attention thanks to “Heated Rivalry,” a romantic drama spotlighting two male hockey players. The show was recently renewed for a second season, with its lead actors even gracing the Golden Globes stage. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman shared that he binge-watched the series, suggesting its rising popularity contributes to increased interest in hockey.
However, the success of “Heated Rivalry” has reignited discussions about the NHL’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. François Arnaud, one of the series’ actors and a bisexual man from Montreal, criticized the league for not doing enough. In 2023, the NHL faced backlash when it decided to ban promotional warmup jerseys, including those featuring Pride themes, and also restricted the use of multi-colored “Pride tape,” although this latter ban was later reversed.
Gary Bettman’s Remarks on Pride Nights
Bettman asserted that “every team does a Pride Night,” a statement challenged by recent findings. Research from The Athletic indicated that four NHL teams—the Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, and Utah Mammoth—have deviated from hosting Pride Nights this season. The NHL clarified that Bettman was referring to the previous season and did not provide reasons for these teams’ shifts.
Changing Commitment to LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Kim Davis, the NHL’s vice president of social impact, emphasized ongoing efforts to create an inclusive culture for LGBTQ+ individuals. She noted that the league does not mandate specific themed events but offers support for teams planning such nights. Each team’s hockey operations personnel generally aid in organizing these events, while marketing and sponsorship departments lead the promotional efforts.
- Teams without a specific Pride Night:
- Boston Bruins
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Los Angeles Kings
- Utah Mammoth
- Teams adjusting their approach:
- Bruins and Hurricanes rebranded Pride Night to “Hockey Is For Everyone Night.”
- Detroit Red Wings clarified plans to include Pride elements in their “People of Hockeytown” night.
- Los Angeles Kings are focusing on multiple LGBTQ+ initiatives rather than a single event.
Matt Kenny, a former minor-league player and LGBTQ+ advocate, highlighted the significance of visibility created by Pride Nights. He stated that these events can foster a sense of safety for both players and fans who feel marginalized. Kenny believes that ongoing support and visibility are crucial in a sport like hockey, where societal pressures often compel individuals to stay in the shadows.
Initiatives Supporting LGBTQ+ Visibility in Hockey
The NHL promotes partnerships with organizations like You Can Play and Pride Tape to bolster its LGBTQ+ outreach. Additionally, it collaborates with international LGBTQ+ hockey groups. While the league stresses its commitment, the real burden of community representation seems to rest with individual teams.
The Bruins and Hurricanes, despite modifying their themed events, aim to incorporate LGBTQ+ elements into broader inclusivity initiatives. In Boston’s recent event, proceeds from auctioned rainbow-taped sticks benefited Boston Pride Hockey. The Kings are also expanding their efforts by integrating youth initiatives that focus on inclusive language and multiple community collaborations.
In conclusion, while the NHL continues to develop initiatives related to LGBTQ+ inclusion, individual teams’ strategies regarding Pride Nights appear inconsistent. The conversation about support and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community in hockey is ongoing and requires persistent attention from all stakeholders involved.
