Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury defied NHL’s new policy against promoting “special initiatives” by wearing a special Native American Heritage mask during warmups on Native American Heritage Night, a move unlikely to result in discipline, according to reports.
‣ Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury wore a special Native American Heritage mask during warmups on Native American Heritage Night, potentially violating the NHL’s new policy against wearing anything that promotes “special initiatives.”
‣ The mask, designed by a member of the Prairie Island Indian Community, paid tribute to Fleury’s wife’s indigenous ancestry. After the game, Fleury autographed the mask and put it up for auction to benefit the Minnesota Wild Foundation and the American Indian Family Center.
‣ The NHL’s new policy, which prohibits players from wearing special jerseys or equipment in warmups, was implemented after controversies last year over non-participation in special Pride Night warmups. Despite this, the NHL reversed its decision on players using Pride Tape on their sticks during warmups and games.
There’s a potential discipline issue brewing in the NHL. Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury decided to honor his wife and her family on Native American Heritage Night, despite the risk. He wore a special Native American Heritage mask during warmups. This put him in violation of the NHL’s new policy against promoting “special initiatives.”
Michael Russo of The Athletic had reported earlier that Fleury wouldn’t be allowed to wear the mask. But Fleury had initially planned to defy the league’s orders. His agent, Allan Walsh, shared on social media that the NHL had threatened “an additional significant fine.”
Fleury was in a tough spot. Yet, when it was time for warmups before the Wild’s home game against the Colorado Avalanche, he took to the ice in his custom mask. He essentially dared the NHL, and it might have worked out for him. Russo later reported that it was unlikely Fleury would face discipline for wearing his Native American Heritage mask.
The mask was designed by a member of the Prairie Island Indian Community. It was a tribute to his wife’s indigenous roots. After the pregame skate, Fleury autographed the mask and put it up for auction. The proceeds are going to the Minnesota Wild Foundation and the American Indian Family Center. Bidding ends on Nov. 30, and the current bid is $15,500.
This incident comes after the NHL sent out memos about themed nights to every team in the offseason. Under the new policy, players can’t wear special jerseys or equipment during warmups. After controversies last year over teams and players not participating in special Pride Night warmups, Bettman, the NHL commissioner, said the issue had become a “distraction.”
Originally, the new rule included players using Pride Tape on their sticks during warmups and games. But then Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott wore the tape in a game against the Anaheim Ducks. The NHL had to backtrack on that decision.
