Philadelphia Flyers’ Ivan Provorov cites religion for boycott of team’s Pride night

• Defenseman doesn't take part in pre-game skate on Pride night
• Provorov: My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion'

Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov cited his Russian Orthodox religion as the reason he did not participate in pre-game warmups when the team wore Pride-themed jerseys and used sticks wrapped in rainbow Pride tape.

The 26-year-old Provorov boycotted the pregame skate with his teammates before Tuesday night's game against Anaheim as the Flyers celebrated their annual Pride night in celebration and support of the LGBTQ+ community. He played nearly 23 minutes in Philadelphia's 5-2 victory.