Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-André Fleury wore his specially painted mask to honor the First Nations during warm-ups before a game in their honor, even though he had received a warning from the NHL not to do so .
Fleury’s agent, Allan Walsh, confirmed Friday afternoon that his client had been informed that he would not be able to wear his mask, even during warm-ups. The league prohibits players from wearing special jerseys, masks, stickers and ribbon at theme nights.
As the Wild paid tribute to the First Nations against the Colorado Avalanche, Fleury wanted to honor his partner Véronique, who has indigenous origins, with this mask specially designed for this occasion. Walsh said Fleury had offered to pay any fines that might be imposed on him by the NHL. The Bettman circuit then threatened the Wild with a heavier fine.
We do not know the amounts of these fines. The Wild refused to comment on the matter before the meeting and a message left with the NHL went unanswered.
Aged 38, Fleury has won the Stanley Cup three times and the Vezina Trophy, in 2021.
He was the backup to Filip Gustavsson on Friday night for the Wild.
Earlier this season, the league decided to ban rainbow ribbons on nights honoring the LGBTQ communities, before reversing the decision following the outcry. Teams can no longer provide themed jerseys at these parties after a handful of players decided not to participate in warm-up periods before these games.
