NHL Team Won’t Wear Pride Jerseys Over Russian Law

The Associated Press reports:

The Chicago Blackhawks will not wear Pride-themed warmup jerseys before Sunday’s Pride Night game against Vancouver because of security concerns involving a Russian law that expands restrictions on activities seen as promoting LGBTQ rights in the country.

The decision was made by the NHL organization following discussions with security officials within and outside the franchise. Chicago defenseman Nikita Zaitsev [photo] is a Moscow native, and there are other players with family in Russia or other connections to the country.

Russians Nikolai Knyzhov and Alexander Barabanov wore the Pride-themed jerseys for the San Jose Sharks on Saturday.

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The Blackhawks will not wear Pride-themed warmup jerseys before Sunday’s Pride Night game against Vancouver because of security concerns. https://t.co/33idpM8BDD

— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) March 23, 2023