NHL to review Pride tape use by Coyotes’ Travis Dermott as possible violation of ban

In anticipation of the upcoming NHL regular season’s first Pride night, Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott has provided league officials with a thought-provoking dilemma.

Dermott boldly defied the NHL’s ban on using Pride tape this season by wrapping the top of his stick with rainbow-colored tape during the club’s 2-1 triumph over the Anaheim Ducks at Mullet Arena.

When questioned about potential fines or disciplinary action for his actions, the NHL stated to The Athletic, “We will review it in due course.”

In June, the league’s board of governors decided that players are prohibited from using Pride-themed tape or displaying support for special initiatives on the ice this season. However, the extent of supplemental discipline for breaking this ban remains uncertain.

The NHL Players Association (NHLPA) has refrained from commenting on the matter since its revelation earlier this month.

The Coyotes, led by Dermott, will host the NHL’s first Pride night of the regular season against the Los Angeles Kings on Oct. 30.

Jeff McLean, co-founder of Pride Tape, revealed to The Athletic that Dermott recently ordered a fresh supply of tape from their company, intending to use it throughout the 2023-24 season.

Dermott’s decision to use the tape on Saturday conveyed a powerful message to the LGBTQ+ community, according to McLean.

“It holds immense significance. It’s incredibly impactful,” McLean expressed. “Given the historical importance of visual messages on the ice during warmups, one person taking a stand is all it takes.”

Brian Burke, former NHL general manager and staunch LGBTQ+ advocate in the hockey community, commended Dermott’s statement on ‘X’ on Saturday.

“Travis continues to demonstrate courageous leadership in LGBTQ+ allyship,” Burke wrote. “I hope other players follow his example.”

Indeed, Dermott’s actions may inspire other players to follow suit. Minnesota Wild defenseman Jon Merrill expressed his willingness to use Pride tape despite the ban, as stated in a recent interview with The Athletic.

“What will the league do?” Merrill questioned. “Remove me from the ice? Penalize me? Either way, the league would appear in a negative light. It’s disheartening. Nothing but disappointment.”

Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton also shared his consideration of using Pride tape on his stick for his team’s annual Pride night on Jan. 10, as reported by reporters.

“You’ll probably see me with the Pride tape on that night, anyway,” revealed Laughton on Oct. 11.

Last season, NHL regulations concerning Pride nights garnered attention as some players expressed reservations about participating. Several players and teams chose not to don the Pride warmup jerseys, citing religious reasons or safety concerns.

Required Reading

(Photo: Norm Hall / NHLI via Getty Images)