Sharks goalie opts to not put on LGBTQ-themed warmup jersey on staff’s Pride Night

The San Jose Sharks are internet hosting Pride Night at SAP Center Saturday, however their goalie is not going to be included within the celebration.

James Reimer introduced on Twitter he is not going to put on a pride-themed warmup jersey earlier than the sport towards the New York Islanders.

Reimer cited his spiritual beliefs.

James Reimer of the San Jose Sharks takes reps throughout warmups at SAP Center March 11, 2023, in San Jose, Calif.  (Andreea Cardani/NHLI through Getty Images)

“For all 13 years of my NHL profession, I’ve been a Christian — not simply in title, however in how I select to reside my life day by day. I’ve a private religion in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for my sins and, in response, asks me to like everybody and observe him,” he stated through the staff’s Twitter account. “I’ve no hate in my coronary heart for anybody, and I’ve all the time strived to deal with everybody that I encounter with respect and kindness.

“In this particular occasion, I’m selecting to not endorse one thing that’s counter to my private convictions that are based mostly on the Bible, the very best authority in my life.”

Reimer’s resolution seemingly goes towards the night time’s theme, however the Sharks said in a separate statement they “acknowledge and settle for the rights of people to precise themselves, together with how or whether or not they select to precise their beliefs, whatever the trigger or subject.”

 The Sharks tweeted on Saturday they are going to “provide data and details about LGBTQIA+ matters” as an alternative of “our regular recreation content material” all through Saturday’s contest.

“Our hope is that this content material will function a reminder that there are points extra essential than targets, highlights, and wins,” the staff stated in its tweet.

The San Jose Sharks’ brand on a jersey throughout a recreation towards the Vegas Golden Knights at SAP Center Oct. 4, 2019, in San Jose, Calif. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

SHARKS’ TWITTER ACCOUNT TO SEND ‘LGBTQIA+ INFORMATION’ INSTEAD OF ‘NORMAL GAME CONTENT’ ON TEAM’S PRIDE NIGHT

“Hockey will not be for everybody till everyone seems to be snug taking part in, working, or being a fan of this unbelievable recreation.”

Reimer will not be the primary NHL participant to shun Pride-themed jerseys in warmups. The Philadelphia Flyers’ Ivan Provorov cited his Russian Orthodox faith for his motive to not take part in warmups on his staff’s Pride Night when the remainder of the staff wore LGBTQ-themed jerseys.

The New York Rangers promoted its Pride Night in January, saying gamers would wrap pride-themed tape on sticks, however that plan was additionally nixed with no rationalization. The identical factor occurred with the Minnesota Wild earlier this month.

Goaltender James Reimer of the San Jose Sharks guards the online throughout first interval motion towards the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre March 6, 2023, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.  (Jonathan Kozub/NHLI through Getty Images)

The Sharks are 19-36-14, and their 52 factors are the second-lowest within the league. Reimer’s .895 save share ranks forty second out of fifty certified goalies. His 3.26 targets towards common is fortieth.