Brian Burke Voices Concern Over NHL’s Ban on Rainbow Tape in Support of LGBTQ+ Community

Former NHL executive Brian Burke has expressed strong criticism of the NHL’s recent decision to prohibit players from using rainbow-colored stick tape to show support for the LGBTQ+ community during the upcoming season. Burke, who served as the NHL’s executive vice president and director of hockey operations for six years, took to social media to share his thoughts on this matter. He argued that the league’s ban on rainbow tape, which has been a symbol of support for the LGBTQ+ community, is counterproductive and not aligned with the values of inclusion and progress.

In his statement, Burke, who currently holds the position of president of the PWHL players’ association, emphasized that the ban on rainbow tape denies meaningful support for the LGBTQ+ community and appears to cater to a select few individuals who might feel uncomfortable answering questions about their choices. He went on to assert that true inclusion and progress involve keeping doors open, not closing them. Burke stated, “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. Make no mistake, this is a surprising and serious setback.”

The NHL’s directive to teams, outlined in a memo sent last week, provided clarification on what players can and cannot do as part of theme celebrations during the season. It includes a ban on the use of rainbow tape for events like Pride nights, which have gained significant attention in the hockey community. The league’s updated guidance reaffirms that on-ice player uniforms and gear for games, warmups, and official team practices cannot be modified to reflect theme nights, including those focused on Pride, Hockey Fights Cancer, or military appreciation. However, players are still allowed to voluntarily participate in themed celebrations off the ice.

Pride Tape co-founder Kristopher Wells, reacting to the NHL’s decision, indicated that he has been in contact with “a number of NHL players” who are concerned about this ruling. He suggested that players may find alternative ways to make their statements of support, possibly by using Pride Tape independently. Wells stated, “I think the players will find a way to make their own statements. We’ve had people from across the hockey world contact us and express their disappointment with this decision. But they remain undeterred that they’re going to continue to find ways to show their support.”

Burke, a longtime advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and a seasoned executive with more than two decades of experience in NHL front offices, expressed deep disappointment in the league’s stance. He noted that, throughout his career, he had made it a priority for his teams to engage with and support local organizations and causes, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.

The You Can Play (YCP) Project, an organization dedicated to advocating for LGBTQ+ participation in sports, and a long-time partner of the NHL, also expressed their dissatisfaction with the league’s decision. They emphasized that the move contradicts the NHL’s commitment to inclusion and could jeopardize the progress made in promoting diversity in the sport.

The NHL spokesperson defended the ban, explaining that Pride tape had been allowed as an exception to stick tape restrictions, which typically only permitted the use of black or white tape. The league justified the ban as a means to prevent teams and players from circumventing the new uniform policy. Additionally, stickers and ribbons have been banned from player uniforms, although coaches are still permitted to wear ribbons.

This development comes after the NHL decided in June not to allow teams to wear themed jerseys for warmups during Pride nights, as some players had opted out of these situations, causing distractions during those events. The decision has sparked debates within the hockey community about the balance between individual expressions of support and maintaining uniform policies.

In summary, the NHL’s ban on rainbow tape has ignited a passionate discussion within the league, reflecting the broader conversation around inclusion and support for the LGBTQ+ community in the world of sports.