NHL: Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott violates ban on Pride Tape. Know what action can be taken against him

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott is in the news for the wrong reasons. He became the first player to openly defy the NHL’s ban on Pride Tape and use it during the team’s opener Saturday night. He was spotted using the prohibited stick tape during this weekend’s game against the Anaheim Ducks. According to Atlantic, the NHL officials said on Sunday that they will review the incident for a possible violation of their policy "in due course."

NHL Ban on Pride Tape

The use of Pride Tape and specialty jerseys was fiercely debated last season. Many players expressed their opposition to partaking in Pride Night celebrations.


After a Board of Governors meeting held in New York in June, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman told 'Sportsnet' said that Travis Dermott

NHL Memo on Pride Tape

Further, just before the season, the NHL issued a memo to clubs saying that in addition to no longer wearing specialty jerseys, the use of the rainbow-colored stick tape would not be permitted on the ice during warm-ups or games. However, the NHL said in the memo that the "players should be encouraged to express themselves off the ice."

Travis Dermott received flak

Many players have criticized Dermott for violating the ban, while some others have backed him. Edmonton Oilers star and defending Hart Trophy winner Connor McDavid said that he "expressed disappointment" for not being able to wear specialty jerseys and wants them back.

Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand said that players should "support who and what you want to support". He said that he and does not think "we need to be used to push political agendas."

Arizona Coyotes to host Pride Night

The Coyotes will host Pride Night on Friday. On the other hand, co-founder of Pride Tape Jeff McLean said that Dermott had placed an order for more rainbow stick tape just last week with plans to use it throughout the 2023-2024 season.

FAQs:

How has Travis Dermott violated NHL guidelines?
Travis Dermott became the first player to openly defy the NHL’s ban on Pride Tape and use it during the team’s opener Saturday night. He was seen using the prohibited stick tape during this weekend’s game against the Anaheim Ducks.

What has NHL said about using Pride Tape?
In a memo issued before the beginning of the season, the NHL said that in addition to no longer wearing specialty jerseys, the use of the rainbow-colored stick tape would not be permitted on the ice during warm-ups or games.