BREAKING: Reimer Declines To Wear Pride Jersey

James Reimer will not wear a Pride jersey for Sharks Pride Night.

He is the only Sharks player who will not wear the Pride jersey in warm-ups tonight.

SJHN Daily: Sharks Will Wear Pride Night Jerseys, Mukhamadullin on Way to San Jose

Reimer will not participate in warm-ups, and Kaapo Kahkonen will start against the New York Islanders. Reimer will be active as Kahkonen’s back-up.

The San Jose Sharks and Reimer both released statements. Reimer, along with captain Logan Couture and head coach David Quinn, spoke with the media after these statements.

These are their statements, in full.

Per the San Jose Sharks: “Continuing a long-standing commitment of allyship with the LGBTQIA+ community, Sharks Sports & Entertainment is extremely proud to host our 2023 Sharks Pride Night. This week’s events, culminating with tonight’s game against the New York Islanders, reinforce our organization’s values and dedication to an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for all guests in each of our venues.

“As we promote these standards, we also acknowledge and accept the rights of individuals to express themselves, including how or whether they choose to express their beliefs, regardless of the cause or topic.

“As an organization, we will not waver in our support of the LGBTQIA+ community and continue to encourage others to engage in active allyship.”

Per James Reimer: “Under the umbrella of the NHL’s Hockey is for Everyone initiative, the San Jose Sharks have chosen to wear jerseys in support of the LGBTQIA+ community tonight.

“For all 13 years of my NHL career, I have been a Christian – not just in title, but in how I choose to live my life daily. I have a personal faith in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for my sins and, in response, asks me to love everyone and follow Him.

“I have no hate in my heart for anyone, and I have always strived to treat everyone that I encounter with respect and kindness. In this specific instance, I am choosing not to endorse something that is counter to my personal convictions which are based on the Bible, the highest authority in my life.

“I strongly believe that every person has value and worth, and the LGBTQIA+ community, like all others, should be welcomed in all aspects of the game of hockey.”

San Jose Hockey Now will have more on this story today, including player reaction, SJHN’s reaction, and more.

Until then, this is James Reimer’s press conference in full:

Reimer, Couture, Quinn on Reimer Refusing To Wear Pride Jersey