The Chicago Blackhawks Won’t Wear Their Pride Jerseys Due to Fear for the Safety of Russian Players

The Chicago Blackhawks have joined a growing list of hockey teams, including the New York Rangers and the Minnesota Wild, that won’t be wearing their Pride jerseys due to concerns about the safety of Russian players. Players won’t even be wearing their rainbow numbered jerseys, to the team’s LGBTQ festivities on Sunday.

Late last year Russian President Vladimir Putin banned LGBTQ “propaganda,” and any promotion or “praise” of LGBTQ relationships.

According to World Population Review, there are 57 Russian players in the NHL this year, which accounts for just under 6% of all players.

In a statement published in the Chicago-Sun Times the tram rep said, “We do not condone anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric, and we stand firmly with the community.”

The statement continued, “While we know game-day celebrations like these are an important way we can use our platform to bring visibility, it is the work we do together 365 days a year that can create true impact in ensuring all of our colleagues, fans and communities feel welcomed and safe within our sport.”

That being said, the Blackhawks seemed less concerned about Russia earlier this month when they held a Ukrainian Heritage Night—given Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Now maybe the Blackhawks will use that same energy and concern for community to work towards getting a new and less problematic mascot.