In a move that has ignited nationwide debate, Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella has publicly rejected the NHL’s Pride Night, stating that “Ice should be about hockey, not wokeness.” His decision to distance himself and his team from the event has sent shockwaves through the sports world, with many seeing it as part of a growing trend—America turning its back on LGBTQ+ inclusion ever since Donald Trump’s return to power.
The rejection of Pride Night isn’t just an isolated incident. It’s a clear signal that LGBTQ+ visibility in sports and beyond is under attack. With Trump back in the White House, emboldened conservative figures are now pushing back harder than ever against inclusivity initiatives, and Tortorella’s move is just the latest example of how quickly the tides are shifting.
For years, the NHL had made strides toward inclusivity, with Pride Nights serving as a celebration of diversity in hockey. Teams wore rainbow-themed warm-up jerseys, LGBTQ+ organizations were invited to games, and players took part in outreach efforts to show their support for the community.
Now, under a new political climate, that progress is unraveling.
Tortorella’s outright rejection of Pride Night is more than just a personal stance—it’s a message to the entire league. His comments echo a growing sentiment among conservative figures who believe that sports should stay out of social issues—a phrase that has become a thinly veiled argument against inclusivity efforts.
By refusing to acknowledge the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in hockey, Tortorella and those who support his stance are making it clear: LGBTQ+ athletes and fans are no longer welcome in their version of the game.
This rejection of Pride Night isn’t happening in a vacuum. Ever since Trump’s return to office, there has been an undeniable rise in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies across the country.
From his executive orders rolling back protections for transgender individuals to his administration’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues in education and healthcare, the message is clear—the rights and visibility of LGBTQ+ people are being stripped away, piece by piece.
Tortorella’s decision is yet another reflection of how Trump’s influence is seeping into every corner of American life, even in professional sports. Under a different administration, rejecting Pride Night would have sparked immediate backlash and consequences.
Now, with Trump’s political machine back in full force, these actions are being encouraged, celebrated, and even justified as “anti-woke” victories.
The response to Tortorella’s statement has been explosive. LGBTQ+ advocates, hockey fans, and even former NHL players have spoken out against what they see as a dangerous regression.
❌ “This is bigger than hockey. This is about erasing LGBTQ+ people from spaces where they finally started to feel accepted.”
❌ “Sports are for everyone. The fact that we’re back to debating this in 2025 is horrifying.”
But just as many have rushed to support Tortorella, arguing that he’s simply standing up against political correctness.
✔️ “Good! Sports should be about competition, not pushing woke agendas.”
✔️ “Tortorella is saying what a lot of people in hockey are too afraid to say.”
The divide is growing, and with Trump’s presence looming large over the country, these ideological battles are only getting more intense.
The NHL now finds itself in a difficult position. Does the league push back against Tortorella’s stance and risk alienating conservative fans?
+Or does it remain silent, allowing the momentum of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment to continue spreading through the sport?
With more teams and players openly questioning whether they should participate in Pride Nights at all, the NHL’s commitment to inclusivity is on the line.
And if history tells us anything, it’s that when political power shifts, so do cultural norms. Under Trump’s leadership, figures like Tortorella feel more empowered than ever to erase LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts.
For LGBTQ+ hockey fans and athletes, the question now is: How much more will be taken away?
