(CNN) Citing his Christian religion, San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer mentioned he selected to not put on a pregame warmup jersey in help of the LGBTQIA+ neighborhood on Saturday, as a part of the workforce’s weeklong “Pride Night” festivities.
“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,” Reimer mentioned in a press release previous to Saturday’s 4-1 residence loss to the New York Islanders.
“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.
“I’ve no hate in my coronary heart for anybody, and I’ve at all times 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 primarily based on the bible, the very best 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.”
Sharks gamers wore the Pride-themed jerseys designed by San Jose artist Houyee Chow, who describes herself on her Instagram account as a queer artist and educator.
The jersey has a Pride crest and a “Love Wins” patch on them and San Jose mentioned it’s “extremely proud to host” the “Pride Night” festivities in help of the LGBTQIA+ neighborhood, including that its devoted to “an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for all guests.”
“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,” the Sharks mentioned in a press release previous to the sport.
“As an organization, we will not waver in our support of the LGBTQIA+ community and continue to encourage others to engage in active allyship.”
Reimer didn’t play within the Sharks’ loss.
Reimer (47) makes a save in opposition to the Seattle Kraken throughout the first interval at SAP Center at San Jose on March 16.
‘People in excessive locations’
The 35-year-old Reimer, who’s in his second season with San Jose and can be a free agent after the season, was requested by a reporter previous to the sport if he’s involved that his social stance could stop one other workforce from signing him within the offseason.
“I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t something that crossed my mind,” Reimer mentioned. “This shouldn’t be a stance that I used to be seeking to make.
“I noticed this occurring and I began conversations virtually a 12 months in the past with folks in excessive locations, not as a result of I’m ashamed of my religion however due to sure penalties that they might have for me or different those who really feel this manner.
“Those conversations occurred and right here I’m standing up for what I imagine in. I’m positive there’s folks in administration or possession that will not look favorably on this.
“At the same time, I hope that there’s another handful of people in management or ownership that respect me for standing up for what I believe in and that’s a big part of who I am.”
After the sport, the workforce thanked followers for the celebration.
“We know that one organization can’t make all the changes we seek to make hockey (and the world) more welcoming to all, but it’s a start. With all of you, we can make an impact.”
Reimer has performed in 35 video games this season, beginning 34 of them. He is 10-17-7 with a 3.26 goals-against common and .895 save share.
