In the aftermath of the NHL's offseason ban on Pride tape, the first player has stepped up to defy it.
Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott wrapped the top of his stick in rainbow-colored tape Saturday night as Arizona defeated the Ducks 2-1 to move to 3-2 on the season.
The NHL's board of governors moved to ban Pride tape or tape related to special initiatives in June, following a season in which the league courted multiple controversies related to players' refusal to show support for Pride-related initiatives.
"We will review [Dermott's actions] in due course," the NHL told The Athletic in a statement.
Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott used Pride tape on his stick in a game against the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) October 22, 2023
When asked if Dermott would be fined or otherwise disciplined, the NHL told The Athletic in a statement: “We will review it in due course." ⤵️
Multiple players have spoken out against the league's ban, most notably Flyers center Scott Laughton, who told reporters, "If [the league wants] to say something, they can."
Dermott—a native of Newmarket, Ontario—is in his seventh year in the league, having spent 2018-23 with the Maple Leafs and Canucks.
