Sharks goalie opts not to wear LGBTQ-themed warmup jersey on team’s Pride Night

The San Jose Sharks are hosting Pride Evening at SAP Middle Saturday, but their goalie will not be integrated in the celebration.

James Reimer declared on Twitter he will not use a satisfaction-themed warmup jersey prior to the video game against the New York Islanders.

Reimer cited his spiritual beliefs.

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James Reimer of the San Jose Sharks normally takes reps all through warmups at SAP Heart March 11, 2023, in San Jose, Calif. (Andreea Cardani/NHLI by using Getty Illustrations or photos)

“For all 13 many years of my NHL vocation, I have been a Christian — not just in title, but in how I pick out to live my daily life daily. I have a individual religion in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for my sins and, in reaction, asks me to appreciate everyone and abide by him,” he explained by way of the team’s Twitter account. “I have no despise in my heart for everyone, and I have generally strived to treat all people that I experience with respect and kindness.

“In this unique occasion, I am deciding on not to endorse something that is counter to my particular convictions which are centered on the Bible, the greatest authority in my daily life.”

Reimer’s conclusion seemingly goes in opposition to the night’s topic, but the Sharks reported in a independent statement they “admit and settle for the legal rights of persons to specific on their own, which include how or regardless of whether they opt for to specific their beliefs, regardless of the cause or subject.”

The Sharks tweeted on Saturday they will “provide information and information about LGBTQIA+ subject areas” as an alternative of “our ordinary recreation information” all over Saturday’s contest.

“Our hope is that this written content will serve as a reminder that there are issues additional critical than plans, highlights, and wins,” the crew reported in its tweet.

The San Jose Sharks’ logo on a jersey for the duration of a recreation against the Vegas Golden Knights at SAP Middle Oct. 4, 2019, in San Jose, Calif. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Visuals)

SHARKS’ TWITTER ACCOUNT TO Send ‘LGBTQIA+ INFORMATION’ In its place OF ‘NORMAL Recreation CONTENT’ ON TEAM’S Pride Evening

“Hockey is not for everyone until finally everyone is at ease participating in, functioning, or being a enthusiast of this amazing activity.”

Reimer is not the very first NHL player to shun Satisfaction-themed jerseys in warmups. The Philadelphia Flyers’ Ivan Provorov cited his Russian Orthodox religion for his reason not to take part in warmups on his team’s Delight Night time when the rest of the staff wore LGBTQ-themed jerseys.

The New York Rangers promoted its Pleasure Night in January, declaring gamers would wrap delight-themed tape on sticks, but that prepare was also nixed with no rationalization. The very same factor happened with the Minnesota Wild earlier this thirty day period.

Goaltender James Reimer of the San Jose Sharks guards the net during first period action against the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre March 6, 2023, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Goaltender James Reimer of the San Jose Sharks guards the net all through initial period of time action against the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Everyday living Centre March 6, 2023, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Jonathan Kozub/NHLI by using Getty Photos)

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The Sharks are 19-36-14, and their 52 factors are the second-most affordable in the league. Reimer’s .895 help you save proportion ranks 42nd out of 50 competent goalies. His 3.26 aims against ordinary is 40th.