The Calgary Flames have officially unveiled the special Pride Night jerseys they’ll wear in warm-ups prior to Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings.
The primarily white uniform, created by local artist Megan Parker, features a rainbow-coloured version of the iconic Flaming C crest containing an intricate design that incorporates “flora and fauna from the Alberta prairies and foothills.”
The rainbow numbers on the arms and back feature a similar pattern, which the Flames said is intended to be “soft and inviting” while being based on the same colour pattern as the LGBTQ+ pride flag.
The Flames will auction off the signed jerseys in support of the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation Inclusion Program.
Flames head coach Darryl Sutter confirmed after Monday’s practice that the plan is for the entire team to wear the commemorative jerseys in warm-ups before Tuesday’s game at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Pride Nights have become a topic of contention around the National Hockey League this season, with a few players refusing to wear their team’s special uniforms because of their religious beliefs or concerns about the political conditions in Russia.
Other teams have pulled the plug on aspects of their Pride Night celebrations altogether. These decisions have been met with condemnation from large segments of the hockey world, particularly the sport’s growing and vibrant LGBTQ+ fanbase.
The Flames have elected to forge onward. They’ll take to the ice in rainbow colours at 6:30 p.m. MT on Tuesday, 30 minutes before opening puck-drop against the Kings at the ‘Dome.