It's fucking hockey. How can someone be into hockey and be so precious and fragile with their feely feels that rainbow tape upsets them?
"This is Bob. He's our fourth line filler. He's a bit emotional about some things but his mother comes to every game to make sure he's okay and the ref isn't being too hard on him. You'll need to take your pride tape off too. Also, we need him effective and not sulking on the bench, so he asks everyone call him Alpha from now on. If he trips and calls slashing on you, yes, even though you're on his team and no where near him, just apologise so we can keep the game flowing."
So part of this is reaction to anti-gay laws in other countries where players come from. Part is just cowardice. It's basically an open secret that many Russian players have family held "hostage," mandatory participation could be problematic for them. Banning all participation doesn't make any sense though.
Good point. Though, I think anyone moving to another country should respect the people there and acknowledge the situation—regardless if they disagree or not—before making the leap.
Of course, that's all hippie bullshit and it doesn't work that way, but it's true. Maybe one day, in many, many generations from now, we'll get there and everyone can just enjoy hockey as it is and participate how they like. Sounds pretty righteous duuude ✌️