Coyotes' Travis Dermott Defies NHL Ban by Using Pride Tape During Game

Dermott, first NHL player to defy the controversial ban, facing potential disciplinary action from the league while support grows among players and fans.

Travis Dermott, a defenseman for the Arizona Coyotes, has become the first NHL player to defy the league's ban on the use of Pride Tape, which is used to demonstrate support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Dermott used the rainbow-colored tape on his hockey stick during a game against the Anaheim Ducks, following the NHL's June announcement that players could no longer use 'specialty' gear for theme nights, including Pride Tape on sticks.
The NHL's decision faced backlash from several players and has led to multiple players voicing their support for Dermott and encouraged others to follow his lead. The Coyote's Pride Night is scheduled for October 27th.
The NHL stated it will review Dermott's defiance and potential disciplinary actions, but it's unclear at this point what punishment exists for players who defy the ban. The Coyotes have not yet received any notification of a potential penalty from the league.
Despite the animosity, the NHL commissioner, Gary Bettman, claimed the focus on jersey choices became a 'distraction' and defended that the league's policy was 'terribly misunderstood and mis-portrayed'. He also mentioned that the league still encourages 'specialty nights where groups of all different types are honored and consciousness is raised.'