Boston Bruins Captain Brad Marchand On NHL Pride Tape Ban: ‘It’s Unfortunate We Can’t Find Common Ground’

Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand weighed in on the NHL's recent Pride tape ban, telling reporters after practice Wednesday that "it just seems like you can’t win" amidst the tussle between free speech and respecting other's beliefs.

The 35-year-old left winger emphasized that his grievances were more about taking away the choice.

“I truly believe in my heart that if there's something you support and you support it, then it's OK to have your own beliefs and feeling your own way about things," Marchand said.

Marchand emphasized he was against both being pushed into participating in events contradicting one's beliefs, and equally, disapproving of banning efforts that align with another's.

"There's got to be a line where we can all have our beliefs and support each other. It's just unfortunate we can't find common ground right now," he added.

"It's tough when you can't win either way. I understand both sides of it, but it's unfortunate we can't all get along on some of these topics."

The NHL sent a memo to teams last week that outlined theme night celebrations, and included a ban on the use of rainbow-colored hockey stick tape on Pride nights.

Earlier this year, the NHL had banned the use of Pride jerseys after a handful of players declined to wear them, citing religious reasons. Per Sportsnet, Marchand said that he would not disobey the ban.

“My beliefs are that you should treat everyone with respect,” Marchand said. “Treat people how you want to be treated. You support who and what you want to support. Also, I don’t think we need to be used to push political agendas as well. If there’s something you feel like supporting, then you support it. 

“I think a lot of it came from the backlash the players got in previous years, and it’s just unfortunate when you stand up for what’s right and you get a lot of backlash. Right now, one way or the other, it just seems like you can’t win."