Alexander Venditti

ALT I am deeply disappointed in the NHL’s decision to ban on-ice support for community causes. The NHL has been an enthusiastic, invaluable supporter of a number of important causes and groups – to name just a few; Indigenous peoples, first responders, military heroes, cancer survivors, women in hockey, victims of civic disasters, people of color, and, of course, the LGBTQ+ community. This new league policy strips clubs and players of one of the most important and visible ways of supporting causes they care about. Let’s be clear: this is not inclusion or progress. This decision does not grow the game, and does not make our fans feel welcome. Fans look to teams and the league to show they are welcome, and this directive closes a door that’s been open for the last decade. We will not lose the incredible progress we’ve made in inclusion over the last decade, and we are counting on the League for continued support and leadership in this area. -Brian Burke