Photo by James Carey Lauder
Winnipeg Jets to Honour Pride Night with Custom Rainbow Sweaters
The Winnipeg Jets will auction off hand-crafted rainbow style warmup sweaters after taking to the ice on Friday evening in advance of their game with the visiting Buffalo Sabres.
Despite the NHL's previous ruling that teams could not honour individual causes in warmup with specially designed jerseys and garb, a number of teams and players have stood up to the ruling, with the NHL eventually overturning its previous stance.
A number of Jets players are expected to also use rainbow tape on their sticks for warmup as a way of supporting the cause and the belief that hockey is, in fact, for everyone.
The colourful tape and sweaters are to symbolize acceptance and respect within the game and everyday life.
"We try to create an atmosphere in the arena where everyone feels welcome," Jets alternate captain Josh Morrissey said. "I think that's to me what's so important about a night like today. I hope that message continues to be out there that the game of hockey is for everybody, and it's an inclusive place in the arena here and in hopefully all arenas around the league, and just the game in general."
Pride Winnipeg and the Rainbow Resource Centre have been actively involved in preparations for the Pride Night game, while helping engage the community in the initiative.
Funds raised through in-arena auctions will go directly to their initiatives.
Photo by James Carey Lauder
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“Rainbow Resource Centre knows that True North is committed to engaging players and fans in a celebration of diversity and inclusion,” Sonya Bertoncello-May of Rainbow Resource Centre said.
“Our partnership over the last five-plus years has resulted in positive changes and increased engagement making our 2SLGBTQ+ community feel welcome and celebrated. I am so grateful and proud to know True North leadership are such strong partners and we look forward to future games.”
Six different Jets limited edition autographed team jerseys will go up for auction during the game in the foyer, while additional Pride sweaters will be available during Pride Month in June of 2024.
Photo by Scott Stroh
Jets Pride apparel will be available for purchase at all Jets Gear locations, and can be bought online at TrueNorthShop.com.
Also throughout the concourse will be local 2SLGBTQ+ organizations providing information and resources to fans in attendance. Those include Sunshine House, Nine Circles Community Health Centre, and Reaching Out Winnipeg.
The game at Canada Life Centre on Friday will also feature a ceremonial puck drop to which influential members of the 2SLGBTQ+ sporting community will serve as representatives and drop the puck prior to the game officially getting underway.
Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM central time from Canada Life Centre. The game can be viewed live on TSN.
