MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens’ Denis Gurianov has determined to not put on his staff’s themed warmup jersey for Pride night time on Thursday, citing household causes.
The Russian ahead is the seventh NHL participant to lately decide out of sporting rainbow-colored jerseys on their groups’ Pride nights. Gurianov is not going to participate within the pregame skate when the Canadiens host the Washington Capitals.
Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis stated it was onerous to touch upon Gurianov’s determination as a result of he’d by no means walked a day in his sneakers.
“I think anybody can say you’d always try to protect your family, so I have a tough time judging that,” St. Louis stated. ”(Gurianov) is a good child, it’s robust.”
A Russian regulation restricts “propaganda” about LGBTQ+ individuals, together with in promoting, media and the humanities.
Russian Ivan Provorov and Canadians James Reimer and brothers Eric and Marc Staal all cited spiritual beliefs for refusing to participate in warmups in rainbow-colored jerseys. Ilya Lyubushkin stated he wouldn’t take part due to the regulation in Russia, the place he was born. And Andrei Kuzmenko, one other Russian participant, determined to not put on the particular uniform after discussions together with his household.
Despite Gurianov sitting out, St. Louis careworn how essential the night time is for the group.
“We’re all on this planet, we should love each other, and tonight’s one of those nights,” he stated. “We, the Montreal Canadiens, really care about this night, and so do I, it’s a great night.”
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