Jets crack Top-10 list of pride-oriented clubs
This June, Bet Virginia released a Top-10 LGBTQ2SIA+ inclusive NHL Teams list - And the Winnipeg Jets have come in at eighth place.
The list was based on a scoring system created by Bet Virginia, assigning points to teams based on the number of pride posts on Instagram and Twitter, along with the reported LGBTQ2SIA+ safety of each city and state where the teams play.
The Jets (117 points) were one of two Canadian teams on the list, with the Ottawa Senators finishing second with 139 points. The Washington Capitals took the top spot with 181 points.
The Jets being mentioned on this list is a refreshing reset from what has been a disappointing year in LGBTQ2SIA+ inclusivity for the NHL.
Top-10 Pride Inclusivity Rankings:
Before the 2023-24 campaign started, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and the NHL announced the ban of all specialty jerseys for the season, including Pride, Military Appreciation, and any other specialty night sweaters teams may honour/celebrate.
This decision stemmed from many players - including many notable players like Brandon Wheat Kings alum Ivan Provorov - deciding to sit out warmups and not wear the jersey due to different beliefs. Bettman claimed it was a “distraction” from what these nights really represented.
Some players were vocally upset, calling it unfair and saying it wasn't the way to go about this issue. But the NHL doubled down.
Along with the jerseys, Pride Tape was also banned. Pride Tape became a staple in hockey the past few years, being a big part of Pride Nights around the league. A few lesser-known players such as former Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks forward Kurtis Gabriel wore it on his stick every game.
Once again, this decision was met with major backlash from NHL fans and members of the LGBTQ2SIA+ community, making national news across North America.
Just 72 hours after the tape ban, Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott decided to go against the NHL's ruling and wrapped the top of his stick with Pride Tape. Small protests from players like Dermott along with star players like Connor McDavid speaking out against the decision led to the NHL reversing the Pride Tape ban - making it a personal decision - in October.
While the jersey ban is still in place, it is nice to see players and teams support inclusivity of not only the LGBTQ2SIA+ community but also military, Asian Heritage, Indigenous communities and more through special nights/events.
Information from: BetVirginia.com https://www.betvirginia.com/capitals/pride-month
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