from Michael Russo of The Athletic,
Minnesota Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury said he was upset Friday that due to league rules, the team would not allow him to wear a custom-designed mask for Native American Heritage Night in honor of his wife, Veronique, who is a registered member of a tribe in Canada.
Ahead of this season, the NHL clarified its guidance about what players and teams can do for “special initiatives” like heritage nights, including banning specialty jerseys during warmups. That also initially included banning the use of stick tape, like Pride tape, to support social causes — a decision the league reversed late last month.
Fleury said he was willing to limit his use of the mask to warmups — and accept a fine, according to his agent Allan Walsh — but the team will not let him because they were twice instructed by the NHL that it was against the rules. Fleury called the league’s decision “stupid.”
The NHL did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.
continued ($)
here we go again with this debate. this league is so goddamned stupid.
So... the league doesn't want to upset the sort of people who would be upset by a Native American themed motif on a goalie mask? That'll go well.
Fleury did wear the mask in warmups.
He signed a contract to play for Minnesota. He should be wearing their uniform.
Not a fan of the current "Cause of tbe Day" mentality from everyone with a megaphone. I support the league here, and honestly they can't win no matter what they do.
FWIW if you're willing to pay the fine then go for it.
Good on him. I would do the exact same thing. Screw the NHL for their stupid non-themed jersey during warmup. Making rules affecting everyone because of so few unwilling, bewilders me.
A bit of a backstory.
https://fb.watch/oyloK_0b42/
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