NHL superstar Cale Makar has spoken out about Gary Bettman's choice to eliminate pride and other themed nights from the league's calendar.
Bettman's Decision Challenged by Makar
Makar, the star defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche, shared his thoughts:
"Asked about the NHL's choice to ban Pride tape, star Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar called it an "interesting decision."
"We're put in tough positions as athletes," Makar said. "When one individual kind of goes astray, it looks bad on the whole community. For us — 99 percent of the guys in the league — it's all about growing the game and making sure it's inclusive for every single person. I get what the NHL is trying to do. They're trying to eliminate individual thinking and help the league in terms of not putting any one guy in that spot.
"At the same time, we live in a world where it needs to be inclusive for everybody. As an individual, with my point of view, I'm here to make the game as inclusive as possible. Whether it's doing different theme nights — military, Pride night — I think everything has a special meaning, regardless of whom it's for."
"We're put in tough positions as athletes," Makar said. "When one individual kind of goes astray, it looks bad on the whole community. For us — 99 percent of the guys in the league — it's all about growing the game and making sure it's inclusive for every single person. I get what the NHL is trying to do. They're trying to eliminate individual thinking and help the league in terms of not putting any one guy in that spot.
"At the same time, we live in a world where it needs to be inclusive for everybody. As an individual, with my point of view, I'm here to make the game as inclusive as possible. Whether it's doing different theme nights — military, Pride night — I think everything has a special meaning, regardless of whom it's for."
Inclusivity in Hockey
It's evident from Makar's words: the overwhelming majority of players are striving for a more inclusive game. Yet, if one player diverges from this mindset, it casts a shadow over all.
Do players truly require themed nights to champion inclusivity? Not necessarily.
Yet, if the NHL opts out of hosting such events, players should retain the freedom to do so.
The choice of tape color – black or vibrant – might seem trivial to the League. But for many, it represents a monumental move towards an environment where everyone feels accepted and valued.
As Read on HouseOfHockey - Makar Speaks Out Against Gary Bettman
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