NHLers band together, hold giant press conference in show of solidarity

In case you somehow, someway missed the news today the NHL and the NHLPA have announced a two-day walkout as a form of silent protest in the wake of Jacob Blake's shooting in Kenosha, WI. 

The NHL released the following statement earlier today, officially signalling the league's plans to "take a step back" over the next 48 hours:

NEW YORK/TORONTO (Aug. 27, 2020) – After much discussion, NHL Players believe that the best course of action would be to take a step back and not play tonight’s and tomorrow’s games as scheduled. The NHL supports the Players’ decision and will reschedule those four games beginning Saturday and adjust the remainder of the Second Round schedule accordingly.

Black and Brown communities continue to face real, painful experiences. The NHL and NHLPA recognize that much work remains to be done before we can play an appropriate role in a discussion centered on diversity, inclusion and social justice. 

We understand that the tragedies involving Jacob Blake, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others require us to recognize this moment. We pledge to work to use our sport to influence positive change in society. 

The NHLPA and NHL are committed to working to foster more inclusive and welcoming environments within our arenas, offices and beyond.

NHLers in the league's Western Conference bubble were the first to meet with the public and answer questions from the media. Members from the Vegas Golden Knights, Vancouver Canucks, Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche have broken their silence and... well they're not alone. Behind players like Bo Horvat, Ryan Reaves and Nazem Kadri were dozens of other NHL players there to show their support. It was truly a historic moment in the NHL.

Check it out:

Some choice quotes from the press conference:

“I go to war with these guys and I hate their guts on the ice. But I couldn’t be prouder of these guys. This statement we’re making today is something that’s going to last.” - Ryan Reaves

"Moving forward, it’s going to have to be the whole league. Collectively. Not just one or two guys." - Nazem Kadri

"The message coming from a predominantly white league has a very strong impact when its coming from players like this. ... I said standing together here it's more powerful than anything you can do." - Ryan Reaves

"We met as a group and went over to Vegas, and we met as a group there and thought this was going to be the main point of action to take." - Bo Horvat