Another scandal hits the Blackhawks!

Earlier on Wednesday, the Chicago Blackhawks decline to wear Pride jerseys during Pride Night, citing security concerns for their three players of Russian heritage.

It’s been reported that the decision was made by team and security officials, not the players themselves. Nikita Zaitsev, Philipp Kurashev and Anton Khudobin all have Russian heritage, so the team’s security officials made the call. Those players have family in Russia or other ties to the country.

The Blackhawks therefore became the third team to not take part in the Pride Night festivities. There were also the New York Rangers, Islanders and Minnesota Wild that decided not have players wear Pride jerseys during warm-ups on Pride Nights. It all started when Philadelphia Flyers’ Ivan Provorov refused to wear the themed jersey and did not part take in his team’s warmup for the cause in January citing religious beliefs.

This takes place days after San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer did not take part in pregame warmups last Saturday.
Fans and insiders were quick to react on social media, extremely disappointing in the Blackhawks’ decision. Maybe voiced their thoughts on Twitter, including team insiders Mark Lazerus and Scott Powers, and Pierre LeBrun.

The topic is trending all over social media at the moment. Many fans have been fed up with the Blackhawks, especially since last season, it was confirmed that a sexual scandal had taken place, with the 2010 sexual assault of Kyle Beach by video coach Brad Aldrich and the ensuing cover-up by the team, which surfaced in 2021. The sexual assault case is far more disturbing, but this is added controversy has fans fed up. 

Chicago has worn Pride jerseys in past seasons. But it won’t on Sunday night and will continue to hear about the controversial decision.

Recommended articles:

• Another team sparks ‘Pride jersey’ controversy, but this time, over player safety concerns!
• NHL's only openly gay player releases statement regarding Pride Night protests
• Brian Burke calls out James Reimer over 'Pride Night' controversy.
• James Reimer drags Nazem Kadri into the 'Pride Night' controversy.
• James Reimer doubles down on 'Pride Night' protest.