The NHL has banned the use of rainbow-colored stick tape for Pride Night events. This represents a giant step back for LGBTQ inclusion in the sport.

The National Hockey League (NHL) has changed its approach to the use of rainbow-colored stick tape often used to show support for the LGBTQ+ community and inclusion within the game.

The controversy around the ban centered primarily on Pride-themed tape, a rainbow-colored stick tape that players primarily used on Pride nights. Subscribe for unlimited access to The Post.

However, players such as Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott have flaunted the ban. McDermott had a small amount of Pride Tape on his stick during the team's Oct. 21 home opener, prompting a ...

FILE – Zac Jones of the New York Rangers skates with a stick decorated for “Pride Night” in warm-ups prior to the game against the Washington Capitals, May 3, 2021, in New York City.

Travis Dermott wore Pride tape on his stick on Oct. 21, 2023. NHLI via Getty Images. The tape ban drew criticism from players around the league, longtime executive Brian Burke and others.

In 2009-10, as an NHL fledgling, Bruins forward Brad Marchand used white tape on his sticks. It was what he did in the AHL and in junior. Zdeno Chara put an end to that. The way the defenseman saw ...

However, with the abolishment of the jerseys came a ban of rainbow-colored stick tape. According to ESPN, the ban was to prevent using it as an "end around" to the new specialty uniform policy.