Russian forward Denis Gurianov opted out of the Montreal Canadiens¡¯ pregame warm-up after choosing not to wear a special Pride jersey ahead of the team¡¯s seventh annual Pride Night on Thursday against Washington Capitals.
Gurianov made the decision due to family reasons, the club said in a statement.
¡°While we understand the decision, we also hope the focus of attention remains where it belongs: on evolving as a society to be more accepting and welcoming of all, without exception,¡± the statement said.
NHL Pride Night events have been under an unwelcome spotlight in recent months as some teams and a handful of players have objected to participating for reasons that include religious beliefs.
In March, the Chicago Blackhawks said players would not wear special warm-up jerseys during Pride Night due to safety concerns related to the club¡¯s Russian players.
Last December Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law expanding Russia¡¯s restrictions on the promotion of what it calls ¡°LGBT propaganda¡°, effectively outlawing any public expression of LGBT behaviour or lifestyle in Russia.
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