Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard shooting the puck
Photo credit: Sportsnet

Connor Bedard Makes Powerful Gesture Defying Previous NHL Ban

Published March 27, 2024 at 8:15 PM
BY GRAHAM MONTGOMERY

Chicago Blackhawks rookie center Connor Bedard showed a lot of character last night when he used pride tape during warmups last night. The move comes after the league tried to ban the tape over the offseason.

Bedard has done it all this season, leading rookies in goals and points. He's also become comfortable with the media, showing his personality on a daily basis.

Bedard shows support for LGBTQ community despite NHL ban



The NHL made themselves look foolish last offseason when they tried to ban players from using pride tape. The decision was quickly reversed after the season actually started. The decision came when Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott used pride tape in one of his first games of the season. Since then, a number of other NHL players have publicly supported the LGBTQ community by using the tape. Last night, Connor Bedard became the next player to do so.


Connor Bedard is wearing pride tape in warmups for the #Blackhawks Pride Night 🏳️‍🌈

(Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)


Bedard was joined by a number of his Blackhawks teammates as they took warmups ahead of their match against the Calgary Flames.

Connor Bedard and a number of other #Blackhawks players wore Pride Tape on their sticks during warmups for their Pride Night tonight 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️


Perhaps the tape is a good luck charm for Bedard as the Blackhawks defeated the Flames 3-1. The win came as the Blackhawks have rounded into form, winning six of their last ten contests. The team is still in 31st place and was eliminated from playoff contention some time ago, but their recent uptick in performance should give fans hope for the future.

BACK TO BACK #HAWKSWIN


Source HawksInsider: Connor Bedard faces backlash following stance on Pride movement
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Connor Bedard Makes Powerful Gesture Defying Previous NHL Ban

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