Full participation: Florida Panthers to support Pride Night 'as an organization'

The Panthers will wear special Pride Night warmup jerseys before Thursday night's game

The Florida Panthers are hosting Pride Night on Thursday at FLA Live Arena.

There have been several players and teams in the NHL this season who have decided to forego previously announced Pride Night activities for various reasons.

The Panthers will not be one of them.

“As an organization we've decided, rightfully so, to move forward with it and support it and celebrate it,” said Florida Head Coach Paul Maurice. “Teams around the league and players around the league have got the right to their opinion and we've got the right to ours.”

During pregame warmups the Panthers will wear special Pride Night jerseys designed by local artist Teepop.

All the warmup jerseys will be available for auction, with proceeds benefitting You Can Play, a group that works toward ensuring safety and inclusion for everyone in sports.

The Florida Panthers Foundation will also match all funds raised for the Pride Night jerseys and plans to donate them to local LGBTQ+ nonprofit groups.

Pride Night will also feature a ceremonial puck drop, special giveaways in the building, and themed Pride Night merchandise will be available inside Pantherland.

The Chicago Blackhawks recently announced they would not be wearing pride-themed warmup jerseys during their previously announced Pride Night celebrations taking place on Sunday.

The reason is due to a law recently signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin that expands restrictions on any activities considered promoting LGBTQ+ rights in Russia.

Chicago, like the Panthers, has one Russian player on its active roster.

Earlier this season, San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer and Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov refused to take part in pregame warmups on nights their respective teams were wearing pride-themed jerseys. Both players cited their religious beliefs as the reason they elected not to participate. 

The New York Rangers completely opted out of a previously announced plan to wear pride-themed jerseys on their Pride Night back in January, as did the Minnesota Wild on their Pride Night earlier this month. 

The Panthers organization chose to go with unity and inclusion. It’s not a surprise considering Florida was the first NHL team to host a Pride Night nearly ten years ago. 

“I've seen the sweaters, they're great looking,” Maurice said. “Should be a great night tonight.”