The Philadelphia Flyers were hosting their “Pride Night” as part of the pride month celebrations of the NHL, which is an initiative by the league and the NHL Players Association to support various LGBTQ+ organizations and charities, according to news reports.
The team wore rainbow adorned jerseys during their warm up skate, but Provorov didn’t join them as he refused to wear the outfit.
Christian courage. I am moved every time I see an example of it. This man understands the hornets nest he’s kicking and yet he does it for love of Christ. God bless him.
Pray for similar courage when it is your turn to stand up.
Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov refused to wear a rainbow jersey for warm ups during Pride night stating his Russian Orthodox faith.
— OutKick (@Outkick) January 18, 2023
“I respect everybody and I respect everybody’s choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion.”pic.twitter.com/YorVLBbcwY
Also, his coach John Tortorella supported his player and said one of the reasons he respects his Provorov so much is that he stayed true to himself and his religion.
“It’s one thing I respect about Provy, he’s always true to himself,” Tortorella said.
Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid.