‘Not the way forward’: NHL’s updated guidance includes ban on Pride tape

• NHL issues Pride tape ban with updated theme night guidance
• You Can Play Project decries NHL's step-back from commitment
• Pride celebrations became hot-button issue in hockey last year

The NHL sent a memo to teams last week clarifying what players can and cannot do as part of theme celebrations this season, including a ban on the use of rainbow-colored stick tape for the Pride nights that have become a hot-button issue in hockey.

The updated guidance reaffirms on-ice player uniforms and gear for games, warmups and official team practices cannot be altered to reflect theme nights, including Pride, Hockey Fights Cancer or military appreciation celebrations. Players can voluntarily participate in themed celebrations off the ice.