Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov did not participate in the team’s pregame warmup skate on Tuesday, citing his religious beliefs as the team wore Pride Night jerseys in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Ahead of Tuesday’s matchup against the Anaheim Ducks, the Flyers wore black sweaters with rainbow lettering and numbering for the team’s Pride Night celebrations. Provorov was not involved in the team’s pregame warmups, as noted by Flyers beat writers, but did return to play in the game. The Flyers then switched back to their regular alternate jerseys to play against the Ducks.
After the game, the Flyers released a statement in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
There is word that #Flyers’ Ivan Provorov did not participate in warmups tonight because he declined to wear the team-issued Pride Night jersey, celebrating the LGTBQ+ community.
The Flyers offered the following comment.
Provorov is expected to be available to media postgame. pic.twitter.com/h3XEcwErph
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) January 18, 2023
In the team’s postgame media availability, head coach John Tortorella stated that Provorov declined to participate in warmups due to his religious beliefs. Tortorella also stated he did not consider scratching Provorov for missing warmups.
Tortorella's full quotes on Ivan Provorov choosing to sit out warmups rather than wear a Pride jersey on Pride Night, citing his religious beliefs as the reason: pic.twitter.com/myyfHJ8cYl
— Charlie O'Connor (@charlieo_conn) January 18, 2023
When asked by the media, Provorov said “I respect everyone, I respect everybody’s choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion.”
Ivan Provorov said “I respect everyone. I respect everybody’s choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion.”
Said he won’t go into it any further and will only take hockey questions. He did clarify his religion is Russian Orthodox. Flyers shut down any other Qs.— Giana Han (@giana_jade) January 18, 2023
The Flyers bested the Ducks 5-2 on Tuesday. Provorov was held without a point in 23 minutes of ice time.
