The National Hockey League (NHL) announced that teams will not be allowed to wear “cause-based” jerseys during the upcoming season. The decision comes after the league’s Board of Governors agreed with Commissioner Gary Bettman’s perspective that these jerseys had generated controversies that overshadowed the teams’ efforts in hosting theme nights.

All 32 NHL teams had previously organized Pride or Hockey is for Everyone nights, demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity and diversity. These events often included auctioning off warmup jerseys to raise funds for relevant causes. However, the refusal of some players to wear these specific jerseys during warmups stirred debates and became a hot-button issue within the league last season.

To address this matter, the NHL has opted to prohibit the use of “cause-based” jerseys next season. The league aims to shift the focus back to the teams’ broader efforts in hosting theme nights and promoting various causes. Although players will not skate around with specially designed jerseys during warmups, teams will still celebrate Pride, military appreciation, and Hockey Fights Cancer, among other theme nights.

Despite the absence of on-ice appearances, teams are expected to continue designing and producing jerseys that can be autographed and sold to raise funds for charitable organizations. This approach allows teams to contribute to their chosen causes while avoiding potential controversies that might arise from players’ refusal to wear specific jerseys.

The NHL aims to maintain its commitment to social responsibility while minimizing potential distractions or divisions within the sport. As the new season approaches, it remains to be seen how the absence of “cause-based” jerseys during warmups will be received by fans, players, and advocacy groups.