There has been a brewing controversy because the NHL has banned using rainbow-colored tape some gamers had placed on their sticks in warmups to indicate assist for the LGBTQ+ neighborhood. The restriction has come below the league’s new restriction on “cause messaging” on tools in practices or video games.
The transfer got here after a number of gamers throughout the league final season declined to put on Pride-themed sweaters in warmups.
Brad Marchand, who has spoken out in opposition to homophobia prior to now, was requested about it after the morning skate and stated individuals ought to be capable of maintain their very own beliefs.
“My beliefs are that you treat everyone with respect, treat people how you want to be treated and you support who and what you want to support. But also, I don’t think that we need to be used to push political agendas as well,” stated Marchand.
“So if there’s one thing you’re feeling like supporting, you assist it. I believe the place quite a lot of it comes from is the backlash that the gamers bought within the earlier years. It’s simply unlucky. You attempt to get up for what’s proper and also you get quite a lot of backlash, a technique or one other. Right now it simply looks as if you possibly can’t win. But I really consider in my coronary heart that if there’s one thing you assist then you definitely assist it. And if not, it’s OK to have your individual beliefs and feeling your individual means about issues.
“But to be pushed through something you don’t want to do, or to be banned from something you do believe in – there’s got to be a line where we can all have our beliefs and support each other and be OK and not have tension between the sides. It’s just unfortunate that we can’t find common ground right now. It would be nice with the certain nights we have across the league to support different things and support different people. That’s OK. It’s just tough when you can’t win either way. I understand both sides of it. It’s unfortunate that we can’t get along on some of these topics. But that’s the way it is these days.”
Rookie chat
Coach Jim Montgomery stated he had a fast chat with rookies John Beecher and Matt Poitras on Tuesday forward of their NHL debuts on Wednesday in opposition to the Blackhawks.
“It’s just, ‘Welcome to the NHL,’ ” stated Montgomery. ”You’ve dreamed your complete lifetime of making an attempt to get right here, and also you’re right here. Now bought out and benefit from the second. Play to why you made the workforce and play to these strengths.’”
Marchand selected the arms off strategy.
“You’ve just got to let them feel it,” stated Marchand. “There’s not a whole lot of difference between that last (preseason) game we had, that was a full roster we had in New York. But there’ll be some extra excitement tonight. But they seemed to be handling everything really well. And they’re good pros already at a young age, so I’m excited for them.”
Marchand himself was making his official debut as captain of the Bruins.
“It’s for real tonight,” stated Marchand. “It definitely doesn’t have the same meaning in training camp. It’s obviously special to put it on every single night, but it’s for real tonight. But I’m really looking forward to it. Everyone has a lot of friends and family in town tonight. It’s an exciting time for everyone, a lot of firsts for guys in this room. It’ll be a special night hopefully for everyone.”
Hall, Foligno return
Not solely have been the B’s welcoming in teenage phenom Connor Bedard on Wednesday, it additionally marked the return of Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno.
Both have been casualties of the B’s wage cap crunch.
“It’s always tough that first time when you see you teammates on the other side,” stated Marchand. “Both were incredible teammates and guys. I watched the game (against Pittsburgh on Tuesday) night and they’ll have a lot of opportunity over there. They’re going to thrive in that dressing room and on that team. But we definitely miss them in here. They fit in extremely well and they’re great teammates. It’s always tough to lose guys like that, but unfortunately, that’s the nature of the business and I’m sure they’ll want to have a big night tonight and put their best foot on the ice.”…
Linus Ullmark, final yr’s Vezina Trophy winner, bought the beginning in opposition to the Blackhawks.
Source: www.bostonherald.com