Canadiens: Manon Massé calls for the return of LGBTQIA+ jerseys

In recent weeks, the NHL has announced that Pride jerseys, like all jerseys designed to pay tribute to a group, will not be back during warm-ups in 2023-2024.

Why not? Obviously, because of the numerous controversies involving players (mostly from Russia) who refuse to wear the rainbow-colored jersey.

The NHL decided to take action as the situation was becoming untenable. Several players were uncomfortable wearing the jerseys and it was bringing its share of negative waves.

In other words, the majority paid for the minority.

Because in reality, the vast majority of people had no problem with the jersey. And with the possible exception of the Staal brothers in Florida, the problem was with Russian players, where regulations are different in terms of openness to the LGBTQIA+ community.

For the Habs, Denis Gurianov, the club’s only Russian player at the time, was the only player not to wear the jersey at the party organized by the Habs.

In my opinion, there’s a difference between Russians who refuse to wear the jersey for political reasons (and for fear of reprisals) and a North American player who makes the same decision.

But the debate no longer exists, since the NHL’s decision is final.

The decision was handed down a few weeks ago, but Québec Solidaire’s Manon Massé brought the subject back to the forefront last night on Twitter. And how did she do that? By calling out the Canadiens and the NHL.

The co-spokesperson called on the NHL to change its decision and on the Habs to maintain the practice.

What’s important to know is that the Habs alone can’t opt out of the practice for the 2023-2024 season: the decision was made at the NHL level.

Let’s not forget that there are many rumours that the sovereignist side of certain Quebecers scares Gary Bettman’s NHL. I’m talking primarily about Pierre-Karl Péladeau here, but to return to the subject of the text, it should be remembered that QS is also a sovereignist.

That won’t help Bettman listen to a message (that of pride) that he doesn’t want to hear at the grassroots level. And since he (and not the CH) is in charge…

Let’s not forget that Pride nights are not entirely cancelled in the NHL, and there will still be moments to honor the community. That said, the strongest symbol (seeing players warm up with Pride jerseys on the ice) has been removed.

In gossip

– It’s now official: David Reinbacher has a contract.

– Too bad for the Olympics.

– Ouch.

– Ethan Gauthier is happy to be with the Lightning. [BPM Sports]

– Interesting.

Patty Marleau with the seamless transition from player to coach. 👌 https://t.co/9m3oNoXM0c

– BarDown (@BarDown) July 5, 2023