San Jose Sharks president believes changes to NHL’s Pride tape ban are forthcoming

San Jose Sharks president Jonathan Becher: “I think sometimes when one crisis happens, people overreact and try to clamp down.”

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Sharks’ president believes the NHL’s ban on players displaying “cause messaging” on their equipment, including the use of Pride-themed tape on their sticks, will be modified this season.

An NHL memo issued earlier this month informing clubs about what players could no longer do on theme nights, including using rainbow-colored stick tape in pregame warmups, was met with confusion and derision, with some believing the league was abandoning its long-running “Hockey is for Everyone” campaign.

“Make no mistake,” former NHL executive Brian Burke wrote earlier this month on social media, “this is a surprising and serious setback.”

Before the league established its current guidelines, NHL players had the option of putting specialized tape on their sticks, such as lavender tape on Hockey Fights Cancer nights or camouflage tape on Military Appreciation Nights.

However, the debate may not be over, as Jonathan Becher, president of Sharks Sports & Entertainment, believes the rules will be changed.

“Is it unfortunate that the league took that away from the players?” “Without a doubt,” Becher told this news organization last week. “Do I believe it will be returned?” Yes. And I believe it will be sooner than everyone expects.”

Last season, a few NHL players chose not to wear Pride-themed warmup jerseys when their teams hosted those nights. Some, such as former Sharks goalie James Reimer, did so due to personal religious beliefs. Several Russian players also refused to wear Pride-themed jerseys, fearing repercussions from anti-LGBTQ+ officials back home.

The NHL announced in June that it would not allow players or clubs to wear themed jerseys in practices or warmups, believing that the news surrounding those individuals’ decisions distracted from team initiatives. The Sharks hosted their seventh-annual Los Tiburones Night on Oct. 14, but did not wear the specially designed jerseys in warmups that have become synonymous with the celebration.

Among other themed nights, the Sharks will host Hockey Fights Cancer on Nov. 16, Pride Night on Jan. 27, and a Black History Celebration on Feb. 29.

“I think sometimes when one crisis happens, people overreact and try to clamp down,” Becher went on to say, “and yes, there’s definitely a middle ground and I think it’s going to come quickly, maybe even during the season.”

According to Sharks forward Nico Sturm, one possible solution for the NHL would be to designate a night where players could wear whatever cause messaging they wanted – be it a jersey, stick tape, or a hat – to support something close to their hearts.

“I’m just always a fan of just letting the players do what they want to do,” he said. “Now we’re at the point where the NHL says no warmup jerseys but then lets the players do the Pride night or wear a Hockey Fights Cancer hat or a military hat if they want to.” I’m always a fan of people doing what they want to do rather than what is required of them.”

Kyle Burroughs of the San Jose Sharks disagreed with the NHL’s ban on specialized tape in pregame warmups, saying he wouldn’t be surprised if some players still used it on special theme nights.

“I’m disappointed,” Burroughs said of the pregame tape ban. “It is by choice, and at that point in our night, we could choose to support anyone in this dressing room, as well as friends, family, and fans.” We had the ability to express our support.

“To be honest, if it’s still possible, we can get our hands on the tape.” I know the team has been ordering it, and it’s something I’d love to do if given the chance.”

When the Arizona Coyotes play the Los Angeles Kings on Friday, they will be the first NHL team this season to host a Pride night. Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott caused a stir on Saturday when he wrapped the top of his game stick with rainbow-colored tape, prompting the NHL to tell The Athletic that the matter will be reviewed “in due course.”

What happens to Dermott could set a precedent for other players considering defying the “cause messaging” ban.

Coach David Quinn of the Sharks stated last week that he would personally support any player who wishes to use rainbow-colored tape on their stick. Becher stated that he wants players to express themselves while adhering to the league’s current rules.

“Don’t be surprised if you see a lot of individual expressions this year,” Becher said, “just differently than we’ve seen them in years past.”