NHL switches stance, overturns ban on players using rainbow-colored tape on sticks

The National Hockey League has reversed course and will now allow players to promote causes such as LGBTQ+ awareness by using rainbow-colored tape on their sticks.

The league announced the decision Tuesday via statement.

"After consultation with the NHL Players' Association and the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition, Players will now have the option to voluntarily represent social causes with their stick tape throughout the season," the NHL said in its statement.

The NHL sent out a memo two weeks ago clarifying what players could and could not do as part of theme celebrations this season, which included a ban on the use of multicolored Pride Tape.

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 statement from the league that it would review any possible punishment "in due course."

The NHL previously decided in June not to allow teams to wear any theme jerseys for warmups after a handful of players opted out of those situations during Pride nights last season. 

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The maker of Pride Tape lauded the decision, posting a message on X even before the official announcement was made: "We are extremely happy that NHL players will now have the option to voluntarily represent important social causes with their stick tape throughout season."