Wednesday, April 5 will easily be the most important game of the 2022-23 season for the Winnipeg Jets. A test with the Calgary Flames could very well end up providing a four-point swing in the standings when all is said and done. But despite the significance of the Western Conference wild card race, the Jets will also be playing for the greater theme of inclusivity.
Wednesday night will be the Jets' annual Pride Night at Canada Life Centre. Players will wear specially-designed rainbow warmup jerseys, while also having the option of using colourful stick tape.
And as a matter of fact, the entire team will participate.
Each commemorative Pride Night jersey was created using a different colour scheme on the rear numbering. A great touch from True North Sports + Entertainment.
"It was discussed within the organization and we are in favour of wearing the jerseys and going forward with Pride Night," defenceman Josh Morrissey said following Tuesday's practice.
"It’s something that we had these discussions on and talked about it three or four weeks ago, and we are on board to celebrate tomorrow night.”
The NHL has had major issue getting all of its 32 teams to fully buy-in to Pride Night this season.
What began with Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Ivan Provorov opting to sit out warmups back in January due to conflicting religious beliefs, has led to various other players holding out as the season has progressed. In some instances, entire teams have chosen to outright cancel their plans to wear honourary sweaters on their respective Pride Nights.
“I can’t speak to other teams," Morrissey said when asked about the Pride Night conflict across the league. "Other teams have their own situations going on and everything else. But it’s nice to have that unity in the locker room. We talked about it and it’s something that we think is important and want to support tomorrow night and make it a great night.”
According to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, the overall idea of Pride Night will be reviewed this offseason, thanks to the ongoing holdouts, not only by players citing religious beliefs, but also with regard to possible safety concerns towards players of Russian descent.
"Sometimes you need some more ears, you need some more eyes on the conversation," forward Adam Lowry reflected.
"I think with that controversy, that’s what happens. I think it’s going to continue evolving. Obviously, we want to make it a welcoming place in our arena and our city. But there’s still a ways to go.”
For Lowry, a player heavily involved in the community as a spokesperson with the Toba Centre for Children & Youth, Wednesday's game means he will have the opportunity to play for those within his geographical region who belong to an entirely different community..
“Well I think, being a role model in the community, as someone with a platform, if there’s people that look up to you, you want them to feel comfortable as a fan and as a person. I hope that others feel the same way," he said.
Home game No. 39 will be more than just another date on the calendar for so many in attendance. And sometimes the final score means so little when greater themes are at work.
"I truly believe hockey is for everybody and everybody should feel comfortable coming to the rink, as a spectator, player, fan, anything like that," Morrissey added.
"It’s bigger than anything small and I just feel strongly about supporting it and believing that everyone should be supported in what they do.”
Surely, it is much more important to make everyone feel welcome - no matter their their gender, race, or socio-economic status - than it is to win a game, isn't it?
For some, yes. For others, no.
But the Jets did sit down and discuss their options in advance of the team's announcement that all players would participate.
Yes, there are outspoken Christians on the team, and there is even a player born in Voskresensk, Russia who undoubtedly would have had some words to share. But the group did come together and will unite as one as they take to the ice in the specially-designed uniforms.
"For me, I’ve got friends that are in the community, so for me it’s really important," defenceman Dylan DeMelo shared.
"I know the struggles they’ve been through and to make it inclusive for everybody it’s very important for me. So, I’m really happy that we’re doing it. We’re a top-class organization here and I think the fans are going to enjoy it; everybody’s going to have a good night tomorrow.”
The taped sticks and jerseys worn during the pre-game warmup will be auctioned off at auctions.nhl.com during Pride Month from June 1 at 5 p.m. until June 11 at 8 p.m. All sale proceeds will go to towards the You Can Play project and the Rainbow Resource Centre.
"Listen, we all love the game," head coach Rick Bowness said. "It's the greatest sport there is, and the more inclusive we can make it for everyone, get more kids playing, more people playing, more fans watching – the more inclusive we can make it, the better off."
"It's a great opportunity to grow the game," he added. "Keep growing our game. That's the most important thing."
With puck drop between the Jets and Flames set for 6:30 PM central time on Wednesday, fans in attendance at Canada Life Centre will also be treated to a performance from the Rainbow Harmony Project - Winnipeg's choir for the LGBTQ2SIA+ community and its allies - as it sings the Canadian national anthem.
Those looking to cash in on Jets Pride Night merchandise and apparel can visit any one of the Jets Gear in-arena locations, or shop online through TrueNorthShop.com.
With Calgary's loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night, the Jets (89 points, 5 games left) stay two points ahead of the Flames (87 points, 4 games left) for the final wild card spot. Nashville (86 points, 5 games left) also remains in the hunt, and will travel to Winnipeg for another significant contest this Saturday. Both games can be viewed live on Sportsnet.