Flyers’ Provorov refused to put on Satisfaction Evening jersey throughout warmup

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov selected not to participate within the pregame warmup earlier than taking part in in Tuesday’s win over the Anaheim Geese as a result of the hosts had been celebrating Satisfaction Evening to help the LGBTQ group.

“I respect everybody. I respect everyone’s decisions. My alternative is to remain true to myself and my faith,” Provorov mentioned afterward, in keeping with the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Giana Han.

The blue-liner, who’s Russian Orthodox, declined to elaborate and mentioned he’d solely take hockey questions. The group additionally prevented reporters from following up on the topic, per Han.

The membership emphasised its inclusion efforts in a postgame assertion.

“The Philadelphia Flyers group is dedicated to inclusivity and is proud to help the LGBTQ+ group,” the assertion reads, in keeping with NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jordan Hall. “A lot of our gamers are lively of their help of native LGBTQ+ organizations, and we had been proud to host our annual Satisfaction Evening once more this 12 months. The Flyers will proceed to be sturdy advocates for inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ group.”

Flyers head coach John Tortorella spoke to reporters earlier than Provorov and made the identical level the rearguard did, stating Provorov was “being true to himself and his faith.” The bench boss added, “That’s one factor I respect about Provy,” and mentioned he didn’t think about benching him for the sport itself.

The Flyers wore Satisfaction-themed warmup jerseys and used warmup sticks wrapped in rainbow-colored Satisfaction tape earlier than Tuesday’s recreation. The group additionally hosted a pregame skate for native LGBTQ youth, who attended the sport as friends of the membership after which met forwards James van Riemsdyk and Scott Laughton afterward.

Final Tuesday, it was reported the Flyers had been listening to calls about Provorov’s potential availability in a commerce. The 26-year-old is below contract by 2024-25.

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