Connor McDavid is speaking out in regards to how his club feels about Pride Night celebrations around the NHL, which have become a contentious topic for some players over the last few months.
The Edmonton Oilers will celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community during Saturday's Pride Night game against the Vegas Golden Knights, and team captain McDavid made it clear Friday that the organization fully supports the initiative.
McDavid told reporters:
"Certainly can't comment on other players and their beliefs and other organizations and what they're up to. I know here in Edmonton we strongly believe hockey is for everyone and strongly support Pride Night. Looking forward to it.
"I think we were the first team to use the pride tape in warmups. We're firm believers in the celebration that is the pride night and looking forward to it."
Oilers forward Zach Hyman echoed McDavid's comments during his media session on Friday:
"Everybody has their own personal opinion. To me, it's an obvious no-brainer. If I was in that position I'd wear one. It doesn't go against any of my beliefs. On the contrary, I think it's extremely important to be open and welcoming to that greater community just because they're a minority and they face a lot of persecution over the years and to show that we care, and that we're willing and ready to include them in our game, in out sport is extremely important to me. It's a hard question just because people have their own personal beliefs. I just don't agree with them."