The Capitals voiced their support for the LGBTQIA+ community on Wednesday.
WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals are celebrating Pride Night on Wednesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and several players took part in the festivities during warmups.
Tom Wilson, Dylan Strome, John Carlson, Beck Malenstyn, Trevor van Riemsdyk, Nick Jensen, Nic Dowd, Ethan Bear, Darcy Kuemper and Hendrix Lapierre all taped their sticks with multicolored "Pride Tape" on Wednesday, as rainbow lights flashed during the pregame skate to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.
Washington's players have the option to tape their sticks to celebrate Pride Night and can choose whether or not to take part. That has been the team's role in the night over the years, as the club has not worn Pride jerseys in franchise history. Special warmup jerseys for all nights were banned across the league this year after certain players chose not to wear Pride jerseys.
Van Riemsdyk, a longtime "You Can Play" ambassador and LGBTQIA+ ally, has voiced his support for the cause over the years and also spoke out against the ban on Pride Tape earlier in the year. The NHL rescinded that ban amid backlash.
"The league decided what they did, but I don't think that stops us from showing our support and making it something that's extremely important to us just because they did what they did. We can still do things to make everyone feel included, whether it's on your social media, doing things away from the rink, all that stuff," van Riemsdyk said. "It was something I really enjoyed doing all the nights. It's all about that inclusive feel. That shouldn't stop us, like, 'Oh, we can't do anything.' There's still a lot we can do and a lot of ways we can make people feel welcome and included.
The Capitals are also hosting a Pride auction with different rainbow-themed memorabilia here, with proceeds benefitting SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders), with a portion going to Team DC.