‘Wearing Pride colours shows respect’: You Can Play responds to Provorov boycott of Flyers’ tribute – By Dan Gelston (The Associated Press) / Jan 17, 2023
Defenceman refused to join warmup when NHL team wore Pride-themed jerseys
Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Ivan Provorov cited his Russian Orthodox religion as the reason he did not participate in pre-game warmups when the team wore Pride-themed jerseys and used sticks wrapped in rainbow Pride tape.
The 26-year-old Provorov boycotted the pre-game skate with his teammates before Tuesday night’s contest against Anaheim as Philadelphia celebrated its annual Pride night in celebration and support of the LGBTQ+ community. He played nearly 23 minutes in a 5-2 victory.
“I respect everybody’s choices,” Provorov said after the game. “My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That’s all I’m going to say.”
