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NHL prevents Fleury from wearing a special mask for the Wild’s Native American Heritage night

by Ryan Lee
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NHL Controversy

The NHL has prohibited Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury from donning a custom mask in honor of the team’s Native American Heritage night, according to his agent, Allan Walsh. This restriction extends even to the warm-up session, as the league’s regulations forbid players from wearing specialized jerseys, masks, stickers, decals, or tape for theme nights.

It’s worth noting that the NHL faced criticism previously for initially disallowing players from using rainbow-colored tape on Pride nights, but this decision was later reversed in response to backlash from the hockey community. This season, teams are also prohibited from outfitting players in themed jerseys for warm-ups, a rule that was enacted after some players chose to opt out of participating in Pride Night warm-ups featuring specialty jerseys during the previous season.

In the case of Native American Heritage night, which the Wild were celebrating against the Colorado team, Marc-Andre Fleury sought to pay tribute to his Indigenous wife, Véronique, by wearing a specially designed mask. Walsh revealed that Fleury was willing to accept any fines incurred, but the NHL responded by threatening the organization with an “additional significant fine.” The exact amount of these fines remains undisclosed at this time. The Wild refrained from commenting on the situation, and an inquiry sent to the NHL regarding this matter has not yet received a response.

Marc-Andre Fleury, a 38-year-old goaltender, boasts an impressive resume as a three-time Stanley Cup champion and the recipient of the Vezina Trophy in 2021, awarded to the league’s top goaltender.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NHL Controversy

Why was Marc-Andre Fleury told he couldn’t wear a custom mask for the Native American Heritage night?

Marc-Andre Fleury was informed by the NHL that he couldn’t wear a custom mask for the Native American Heritage night because the league prohibits players from wearing specialty jerseys, masks, stickers, decals, or tape for theme nights.

Has the NHL faced similar controversies regarding themed nights in the past?

Yes, the NHL has faced similar controversies in the past. They initially banned players from using rainbow-colored tape on Pride nights but reversed that decision due to backlash from the hockey community. Additionally, teams are now prohibited from dressing players in themed jerseys for warm-ups after some players opted out of participating in Pride Night warm-ups with specialty jerseys in the previous season.

What was Marc-Andre Fleury’s motivation for wanting to wear the special mask?

Marc-Andre Fleury wanted to wear the special mask to honor his wife, Véronique, who is Indigenous. It was a personal and meaningful gesture for him.

Did Marc-Andre Fleury offer to accept any fines for wearing the custom mask?

Yes, Marc-Andre Fleury was willing to pay any fines he might receive for wearing the custom mask in support of Native American Heritage night.

What was the NHL’s response to Marc-Andre Fleury’s offer to pay fines?

The NHL responded by threatening to levy the organization with an “additional significant fine,” indicating their firm stance on enforcing the regulation against themed masks for theme nights.

Were the exact amounts of the fines disclosed?

No, the text does not provide information about the specific amounts of the fines that Marc-Andre Fleury or the organization would face for violating the NHL’s regulations.

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