Blues alternate captain Brayden Schenn addressed the organization’s decision to not wear Pride jerseys as part of their Pride Night celebration on Tuesday against the Flyers.
The Athletic reported Monday that the team had decided to omit the warmup uniforms from the event, though players would still be able to use Pride-themed warmup pucks and rainbow stick tape. Schenn discussed the team’s decision to forgo the warmup jerseys, as well as his own opinion on the matter.
“There’s lots of initiatives around Pride Night at the rink. As players we’ve always supported it in this room. People are going to have different opinions and you respect everyone’s opinion whether it’s on that topic or other topics around the world, you show up to the rink and you play and you support the Pride community ... We support it. I support it. If the jersey is here, I’m wearing the jersey,” said Schenn, via Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic.
“I’ve worn the jersey in the past. So, for me, I support it. Absolutely no problem with it. Encourage it. That’s my opinion on it,” he added.
Schenn cont'd: "I’ve worn the jersey in the past. So, for me, I support it. Absolutely no problem with it. Encourage it. That’s my opinion on it.” (END)
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) April 4, 2023
The Blues wore Pride warmup jerseys last season during an April game. When the team announced its plans for the night this season, it never indicated if it would wear the warmup jerseys.
“With our Pride Night ... we are recognizing our friends in the LGBTQIA+ community and advocating for inclusivity in support of the NHL’s Hockey is for Everyone initiative,” said team president Chris Zimmermann.
The Blues are not the first team to forgo the Pride Night jerseys this year. The Rangers, Blackhawks and Wild all opted against wearing the uniforms during their respective Pride Nights this season despite having plans to do so.
