Ryan Reaves stands during anthem after discussion with teammates!

This surprised many…

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 3 years ago
Ryan Reaves stands during anthem after discussion with teammates!
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In case you missed it this past weekend, Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba became the first NHLer to officially “take a knee” during the singing of the U.S. national anthem as a form of silent protest against racial injustice. Dumba made an impassioned speech before the Chicago Blackhawks and Edmonton Oilers dropped the puck for Game One of their qualifying series. The next evening Dumba raised a fist into the air while the anthem played prior to his team’s game against the Vancouver Canucks.

Then on Monday evening, Dallas Stars forwards Tyler Seguin and Jason Dickinson, as well as Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner and forward Ryan Reaves elected to join Dumba in silent protest by taking a knee during the singing of the Star Spangled Banner prior to their Round Robin Series game.

Reaves was attacked online simply because some fans don’t agree with his right to protest the national anthem. The Golden Knights forward had a message for the fans uncomfortable with his choice: 

“I have the utmost respect for everybody that’s gone over and fought and died for the freedom of this country… But at the same time, those people go across seas, they go to way, families are torn apart in these wards for the freedom of this country only to come back and find out this country isn’t free for everybody. That’s where I’m coming from.”

However on Thursday night in the Knights’ second round robin game, this time against the St. Louis Blues, Reaves was back on the starting lineup, but didn’t kneel during the anthem. 

He stood. 

It has been noted that after speaking with his teammates, some of the Knights didn’t feel right kneeling so they wanted to link arms. He didn’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable. 

Reaves however also said the Golden Knights' leadership was supportive of his and Lehner’s decision to kneel before the first game. 



His message was quite clear for the first game and we know his heart remains with the cause and the desire to end racism. Reaves might be focusing on hockey now. 

We bet some people will complaint here too… 

Source: Twitter