""The NHL historically has not been the most open organization to that kind of difference in their roster... Their sales are going up, apparently, and the Boston Bruins tagged us in different clips online, and it's getting incredible traction," he explained on SiriusXM's Radio Andy show. "I'm just hoping that it's backed up by actual openness to diversity... I think they banned a player from wearing a Pride band a few years ago. So like, if you're gonna use our name, back it up with real-life shit.""
"NHL commissioner Gary Bettman called the show "very well done" and said it had a "compelling storyline." He also stated he binged the series all in one night. "It's a wonderful story," he told The Hockey News. "The content, particularly for young people, may be a little spicy, so you have to balance that out with how you embrace it.""
François Arnaud urged hockey teams profiting from Heated Rivalry to demonstrate genuine support for the LGBT community rather than just capitalizing financially. The NHL previously banned specialty Pride tape and jerseys in 2023 after some players declined themed jerseys for religious reasons, then reversed the ban following backlash. The league had removed specialty jerseys and tape amid the controversy before reinstating the policy change. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman praised the series and noted its appeal to young viewers while suggesting a balance in how the content is embraced. Fans hope increased ticket sales translate into real inclusivity.
Read at Vulture
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]