Flyers’ Ivan Provorov BOYCOTTS pre-game skate over his refusal to wear Pride-themed warmup jersey

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov boycotted Tuesday’s pre-game skate over his refusal to wear a Pride-themed warmup jersey. The 26-year-old cited his Russian Orthodox faith for the decision, which has divided hockey fans.

‘I respect everybody’s choices,’ Provorov said logging 23 minutes in the Flyers’ 5-2 win over visiting Anaheim. ‘My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That’s all I’m going to say.’

He did not answer any follow-up questions about his decision.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov boycotted Tuesday’s pre-game skate over his refusal to wear a Pride-themed warmup jersey. The 26-year-old cited his Russian Orthodox faith for the decision, which has divided hockey fans

The hockey world was quickly split over Provorov’s decision and post-game comment. 

Coach John Tortorella defended Provorov, saying the Russian defenseman ‘was true to himself and to his religion.’

‘It’s one thing I respect about Provy, he’s always true to himself,’ Tortorella said.

But some leading media members attacked Provorov for his decision, and the reasoning behind it. 

‘But Provorov obviously does not respect ”everyone,”’ tweeted TSN’s Pierre LeBrun. ‘If he did respect everyone, he would have taken part in warm-up and worn the Pride Night jersey. Don’t hide behind religion.’

Samuel Errson #33 of the Philadelphia Flyers looks on while standing in the tunnel that leads to the ice surface for warmups prior to his game against Anaheim at the Wells Fargo Center

Joel Farabee #86, Rasmus Ristolainen #55, Carter Hart #79, and Cam York #45 of the Philadelphia Flyers skate during warmups prior to their game against the Anaheim Ducks

SB Nation’s NHL editor Steph Driver pointed out that the Wells Fargo Center, home to the Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers, was the first to threaten ejection for fans using homophobic slurs. 

‘Ivan Provorov was allowed to play in a game for the Philadelphia Flyers – the organization that was the first to say that you will be removed from the arena if you utter a homophobic slur – after refusing to wear a Pride logo for warm ups,’ Driver tweeted. ‘What an absolute disgrace.’

But many fans lined up to support Provorov. 

‘Love his courage and his right to stand for his belief,’ tweeted one supporter. ‘I can’t wait to the day it cycles around to where this is the popular choice versus today you have to agree with others belief. He said it well, he respects everyone, but believes differently.’