Arizona defenseman Travis Dermott had a shot on goal, two penalty minutes and a subtle message during the Coyotes’ home opener Saturday afternoon.
A photo showed Dermott had a small amount of rainbow-colored Pride Tape on his stick during the 2-1 Coyotes win. This comes after a NHL ruling on what can be displayed on theme nights, which essentially bans the use of Pride Tape.
“We will review it in due course,” the league said in a statement about Dermott’s action.
According to the Associated Press, “The updated guidance reaffirms on-ice player uniforms and gear for games, warmups and official team practices cannot be altered to reflect theme nights, including Pride, Hockey Fights Cancer or military appreciation celebrations. Players can voluntarily participate in themed celebrations off the ice.”
The Coyotes’ Pride Night is on Oct. 27 vs. the Los Angeles Kings.
The league’s policy drew backlash, and Dermott drew praise from one of the major detractors.
“Travis continues to be a courageous leader in LGBTQ+ allyship. I hope other players follow his example,” Brian Burke, a former league and team executive, posted on X, formerly Twitter.
The makers of the tape also posted: “Travis, we’re glad you got your tape. Many appreciate your leadership using Pride Tape in game.”
Around the rinks
Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson was suspended for four games for charging Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine in the final seconds of Friday’s game. Laine missed Saturday’s Blue Jackets 5-4 overtime win in which No. 3 overall pick Adam Fantilli scored his first NHL goal. … Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin’s season-opening goal drought hit four games. He did get five shots on goal after going without one in back-to-back games, a first for his career.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coyotes’ Travis Dermott uses Pride Tape in defiance of NHL policy
