Chicago Blackhawks say they will NOT wear Pride-themed warmup jerseys against Vancouver

The Chicago Blackhawks will not wear Pride-themed warm-up jerseys ahead of Sunday’s Pride Night game against Vancouver due to safety concerns related to a Russian law expanding restrictions on activities deemed to promote LGBTQ rights in the country.

The decision was made by the NHL organization after discussions with security officials inside and outside the franchise, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Wednesday because of the sensitivity of the move.

The Blackhawks have worn Pride warm-up jerseys before and donned special warm-up jerseys to a few other theme nights this season.

There were ongoing discussions about a Gay Pride jersey with the players, according to the person who spoke to the AP, but the organization made the decision to hold Pride Night without the jerseys this year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law in December significantly expanding restrictions on activities deemed to promote LGBTQ rights in the country.

Pride jerseys were recently worn by two San Jose Sharks players and one LA Kings player.

Chicago defenseman Nikita Zaitsev is a native of Moscow, and there are other players with relatives in Russia or other connections to the country.

The Blackhawks’ decision comes after San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer and Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov refused to participate in warmups wearing Pride-themed jerseys.

The New York Rangers opted not to wear Pride jerseys or use Pride tape as part of their night in January despite previously announcing that plan.

Additionally, the Minnesota Wild reportedly went back to their plans to wear Pride jerseys during warmups.

Russians Nikolai Knyzhov and Alexander Barabanov wore the Pride-themed jerseys for the Sharks on Saturday, as did the Kings’ Vladislav Gavrikov at their Pride night against the Canucks.

While Chicago won’t have Pride warm-up jerseys this year, the team has planned a variety of activities in conjunction with Sunday’s game.

DJs from the LGBTQ community will play before the game and during intermission, and the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus is also scheduled to perform.

There are also plans to highlight a couple of area businesses with ties to the LGBTQ community.

But the Sharks’ James Reimer, who never played on their Pride night, decided to put out a statement saying he wouldn’t warm up to the team because of his beliefs.