Gary Bettman praised ‘Heated Rivalry’ and NHL Pride Nights. The leaguewide reality doesn’t match

The surging popularity of the fictional hockey romance “Heated Rivalry” is extending beyond television ratings and social media buzz, sparking a renewed conversation about inclusivity within professional hockey. The show, which recently secured a second season and garnered attention at the Golden Globes and on “Saturday Night Live,” appears to be driving fan interest in the NHL, according to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

A Shift in the Conversation

However, the show’s success has also brought increased scrutiny to the NHL’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. François Arnaud, a Montreal native and actor in “Heated Rivalry” who identifies as bisexual, has publicly stated that the NHL could do more to demonstrate its support.

Did You Know? In 2023, the NHL reversed a decision to ban the use of multi-colored “Pride tape.”

Past Controversies and Current Actions

This renewed focus follows past criticism of the NHL, specifically decisions made in 2023 to prohibit promotional warmup jerseys – including those themed for Pride – and initially ban Pride tape. While Commissioner Bettman recently stated that “every team does a Pride Night,” this claim proved inaccurate.

While most teams have historically held Pride Nights, the Boston Bruins have never hosted one. Furthermore, this season, the Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, and Utah Mammoth have moved away from the traditional Pride Night model, according to reporting by The Athletic.

Evolving Approaches to Inclusion

The NHL clarified that Bettman’s statement referred to last season’s events. The league maintains it fosters a welcoming culture for LGBTQ+ individuals through partnerships with organizations like You Can Play and Pride Tape, and relationships with global LGBTQ+ hockey groups. However, the implementation of support varies among individual franchises.

Expert Insight: The shift away from dedicated “Pride Nights” by some teams suggests a potential recalibration of how the NHL and its franchises approach public displays of support for the LGBTQ+ community, potentially prioritizing broader inclusivity initiatives over singular, focused events.

The Hurricanes have transitioned to a “Hockey Is For Everyone Night,” aiming to celebrate multiple marginalized communities. The Kings are focusing on several targeted community events, including youth hockey initiatives and employee participation in Pride parades. The Detroit Red Wings, after initially planning to incorporate Pride events into a larger “People of Hockeytown” night, have since added the designation “Pride Night” to the event.

Matt Kenny, a former hockey player and member of the LGBTQ+ community, emphasized the importance of these public displays, stating that they can provide a sense of safety and recognition for both players and fans. He noted the visibility offered by Pride Nights can be crucial for those who feel marginalized.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman say about “Heated Rivalry”?

Gary Bettman revealed he binged the entire series in one night and said the show’s acclaim is helping to drive fans to the sport.

Which teams have moved away from hosting a dedicated Pride Night this season?

The Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, and Utah Mammoth have moved away from the traditional Pride Night model this season, according to reporting by The Athletic.

Has the Boston Bruins ever hosted a Pride Night?

No, according to a team spokesperson, the Boston Bruins have never held a Pride Night, but they do host a “Hockey Is For Everyone Night.”

As teams navigate evolving approaches to inclusivity, it remains to be seen how the NHL will balance league-wide initiatives with the autonomy of individual franchises. Will this lead to a more unified and visible commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, or will the approach remain fragmented and subject to regional variations?