NHL Players' Objections to Pride Night Celebrations Spark Controversy.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin, who is from Russia, has opted out of participating in the team's pregame warmup on Pride Night, citing fears of retribution at home due to an anti-gay law passed in Russia. Other players are expected to wear rainbow-colored jerseys and use Pride tape on their sticks in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Several other NHL players have also opted out of wearing Pride-themed jerseys or participating in warmups, citing religious beliefs or concerns about the law in Russia.