Travis Dermott, defenseman of the Arizona Coyotes, made headlines over the weekend for his act of LGBTQ+ allyship that defied a new NHL rule. Dermott wrapped Pride tape around the shaft of his stick during a game against the Anaheim Ducks. While the NHL’s new regulations prohibit players from displaying “cause messaging” on their equipment, Dermott took a stand to show his support for the LGBTQ+ community.
In an interview with The Athletic, Dermott stated that he does not plan to use the Pride tape again in the next game against the Los Angeles Kings. He believes that his message has already been heard and received enough attention. However, he emphasized that the fight is not over and that he will continue to find other ways to support important causes without stepping on the league’s toes or making his organization look bad.
Dermott did not consult with management or his peers before using the Pride tape. He has regularly followed this practice since his days in the AHL and believes it is essential to show support for a cause that is close to his heart. He has personally witnessed the struggles faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community and wants to make a positive impact through his actions.
Although Dermott has not been contacted directly by any league officials regarding his defiance of the new rule, he acknowledges that he may have put the Coyotes organization in an awkward position. Nevertheless, he appreciates the complete support he has received from his team. He did apologize to the equipment staff for not informing them about using the Pride tape.
Moving forward, Dermott plans to find new ways to support Pride initiatives without violating the NHL’s regulations. The Coyotes are scheduled to host their Pride night, and Dermott is still figuring out how he will mark that occasion. He mentioned that his Instagram will be more active, and he will actively seek ways to continue the conversation and support important causes.
Dermott reflects on the NHL’s decision to prohibit cause messaging this season and understands that it is a delicate balance between supporting different viewpoints. While he sees both sides of the issue, he believes that players should still have the ability to express themselves and hopes that the league will find a way to accommodate this.
The defenseman speaks passionately about the people he has met in the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of normalizing their experiences. He believes that athletes have a platform to spread love and should use it to make a positive impact.
Dermott was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support he received after using the Pride tape. He estimates that the majority of messages he received were positive, further reinforcing his belief that athletes have the power to spread love and support important causes.
As the controversy surrounding the NHL’s new rule continues, Dermott remains committed to finding ways to voice his support without causing conflicts or damaging his team’s reputation. The fight for equality and acceptance is not over, and Dermott intends to be an advocate for change both on and off the ice.