(Buffalo) The series of hiccups continues around Pride nights across the NHL.
While the Buffalo Sabers will hold an activity on Monday evening highlighting their solidarity with the LGBTQ community, the organization has announced that Ilya Lyubushkin will not take part in the warm-up period, during which his teammates will wear a jersey to the rainbow colors specially designed for the event.
In the early morning, representatives of the team informally advised members of the media of the situation, citing security concerns. Information has been circulating for a few weeks now that Russian players are reluctant to show their support for the LGBTQ cause, fearing reprisals.
In a succinct statement, the Sabers said they were “aware” of the “threats” against certain players. “We understand their decision not to run this risk,” it adds. A native of Moscow, Lyubushkin returns to his hometown every summer once the hockey season is over.
A recent article from the Athletic site also looked at the discomfort surrounding players from this country. A law enacted in Russia provides for the prohibition of all “propaganda” on “non-traditional sexual relations”. However, it is unclear what real consequences those who engage in this “propaganda” face, or how it is defined.
The first teams whose course of the Pride evening was turned upside down had in common to count on Russian players who play an important role in their formation.
Conversely, Evgeni Malkin, Sergei Bobrovsky and Evgenii Dadonov, for example, have skated in a multicolored sweater in recent weeks.
Since the beginning of the season, seven Pride evenings have seen their progress disrupted by one or more refusals to wear the rainbow sweater. Philadephia Flyers’ Ivan Provorov was the first to publicly voice his opposition. He then justified his position by his religious beliefs. James Reimer of the San Jose Sharks and brothers Eric and Marc Staal of the Florida Panthers followed suit.
Although Lyubushkin is also a believer – religious icons adorn his locker in the team locker room – this argument was not made by the team. The New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, and Chicago Blackhawks, on the other hand, decided outright that no one would wear a multicolored jersey, even though that element was part of their celebrations.
Lyubushkin is obviously enjoying the support of his teammates. Captain Kyle Okposo argued that, “as a North American”, he does not consider himself in a position to “understand what [Lyubushkin] is going through coming from another part of the world”.
“We respect his decision,” Okposo added. To judge him without trying to understand him would be misguided. Rasmus Dahlin defended the same position.
Head coach Don Granato said the same thing, emphasizing the value of the “conversation” going on about this within the team. He appreciated the “authenticity” shown by his players on this issue, but said he was not involved in the discussions leading to Lyubushkin’s decision.
“I think I talk to them enough as it is,” he said sarcastically.