MAPLE LEAFS WON'T WEAR THEMED JERSEYS FOR TEAM'S ANNUAL PRIDE NIGHT
Apr 04, 2023
By Bob Komsic
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The Toronto Maple Leafs won’t wear themed warm-up sweaters for their annual Pride night celebration.
The team has held Pride nights in support of the LGBTQ community since 2017, but has never worn special warm-up jerseys.
Several NHL players have declined to wear them this season, including San Jose goalie James Reimer, Buffalo defenceman Illya Lyubushkin, Philadelphia defenceman Ivan Provorov and Erice and Marc Staal of the Florida Panthers.
The Leafs say rainbow stick tape will be available to players during the pre-game skate, and the hockey club has other events planned throughout tonight’s game versus the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Leafs players will have Pride decals on their helmets, except for goalie Ilya Samsonov, who is not expect to wear one.
Leafs players and head coach Sheldon Keefe wore rainbow-themed T-shirts during a morning media availability.
”I believe actions speak louder than words,” said defenceman Morgan Reilly.
”And especially speak louder than attire.”
Reilly has marched in Toronto’s Pride parade in the past along with General Manager Kyle Dubas and team president Brendan Shanahan.