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NHL Rules May Screw Over Gary Bettman

Published October 22, 2023 at 4:44 PM
BY JAMES CONNELLY

Gary Bettman tried to ban Pride Tape but an NHL rule could prevent him from being able to punish any player for using the tape.

Dermott Wears Pride Tape



Last night, Travis Dermott made headlines as the first player to openly reject Gary Bettman as he used pride tape on the shaft of his stick.




I just noticed Travis Dermott is quietly using @PrideTape tonight! This is what allyship looks like folks! #Yotes #HockeyISforEveryone

Since then, there has been a lot of uncertainty on what would happen to Dermott; would he get fined or not get fined at all? However, a rule could prevent Dermott from being fined at all for wearing Pride Tape.


Dermott, by rule, is permitted to use whatever color tape he wants... and this wasn't part of any special night event.

The portion of the rule that works out in Dermott's favor is as follows:

Adhesive tape of any color may be wrapped around the stick at any place for the purpose of reinforcement or to improve control of the puck

With Dermott being allowed to use any color, he should be able to use tape that is rainbow-colored. The NHL will not make a verdict on Dermott just yet but it is certainly something to watch out for in the coming days.
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October 22   |   367 answers
NHL Rules May Screw Over Gary Bettman

Will Dermott be fined for wearing Pride Tape?

Yes15843.1 %
No20956.9 %
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