Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Ivan Provorov said he did not participate in a pre-game skate with the team wearing Pride Night jerseys on Tuesday because of his religious beliefs.
“I respect everyone. I respect everybody’s choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion,” Provorov told reporters, per Giana Han of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Han reported Provorov said his religion is Russian Orthodox and added he would only take hockey questions after that.
Earlier, Flyers coach John Tortorella was asked about Provorov’s decision.
“With Provy, he’s being true to himself and to his religion,” Tortorella said. “This has to do with his belief in his religion. That’s one thing I respect with Provy – he’s always true to himself. That’s where we’re at with that.”
The 26-year-old Russian did play in the Flyers’ 5-2 win over the visiting Anaheim Ducks, leading his team in time on ice with 22:45. Tortorella said the team did not consider not playing Provorov after his warmup decision.
The Flyers put out a statement after the game, saying the organization is “committed to inclusivity and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.”
A first-round pick by the Flyers (seventh overall) in 2015, Provorov has two goals and 13 assists in 44 games with the Flyers this season.
