Winnipeg LGBTQ advocates are disappointed after the NHL's decision to ban themed jerseys.

Devin Slippert has been a fan of the Winnipeg Jets since 2018, but was disappointed by the league's decision to ban special jerseys for pregame workouts during themed events, such as Pride Night.

“It's really disappointing to see them respond to Pride nights with a small but loud voice in a league of people who are really against it,” said Slippert, a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. “They're letting hate win.”

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman told Sportsnet on Thursday that the league has recommended that teams stop wearing special jerseys during warmups at theme parties because of concerns that some players' refusal to wear Pride jerseys undermines the purpose of the events.

The league's board of governors later agreed with Bettman and banned custom jerseys for Pride Nights and all other themed events the following season.

Teams can still host theme parties and design and sell jerseys to raise money for participating organizations.

“In a way it's not surprising, just with the history of bigotry in sports. I'm not surprised to see them decide to do away with it all together,” Slippert said.

Ashley Smith, director of advocacy for the Rainbow Resource Center, which is working with the Jets on Pride Night, said the NHL's decision comes amid heightened anti-LGBTQ rhetoric.

“These are challenging times for the 2SLGBTQ+ community,” he said. “Even though they chose not to wear the shirts, hate is still hate.”

She said having NHL players wear Pride jerseys makes 2SLBGTQ+ people feel like they belong in the sports community.

“You want to say that there are others out there supporting you and that you matter and that you're here,” said David Palumbo, board chairman of the You Can Play Project. (Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

“Sports can be a very intimidating space for a lot of queer people … so having nights like Pride Night or fundraising nights sends a message that queer people are allowed in that space.”

David Palumbo, board chair of the You Can Play Project, which has worked with the NHL to help be inclusive of 2SLGBTQ+ members, said it's important for young people to feel included.

“If you're a kid who's struggling, you want to be seen. You want to know that there are others out there supporting you and telling you that you matter and that you belong here,” Palumbo said.

“For them to see the Pride jersey we've seen over the years in all its forms was a really impressive statement.”

Palumbo said many players proudly wore Pride jerseys last year.

“I think the Pride jersey is misunderstood by many people. Fortunately, the vast majority of players and teams understand what this symbolism means,” he said.

The Winnipeg Jets have held Pride-themed parties for five seasons, with proceeds from last year's jerseys and bats going to Project You Can Play and the Rainbow Resource Center.

Although the Jets will not wear the jerseys next season, the team looks forward to “honoring, celebrating and supporting many communities and organizations during the 2023-24 NHL season,” True North Sports and Entertainment spokesman Jason Friesen said in an email. to the CBC.

Slippert hopes the team lives up to its pledge to support the Pride.

“We may not have been in sports historically, but we are,” Slippert said. “We're fans and we're players.”