NHL players will be allowed to use Pride tape this season after all with the reversal of a ban that sparked a backlash around hockey and among LGBTQ+ advocates in sports. The league, players' union and a committee on inclusion agreed to give players the option to represent social causes with stick tape during warmups, practices and games. The move announced Tuesday rescinds a ban on rainbow-colored Pride tape for on-ice activities that was provided to teams earlier this fall as guidance for theme nights. “We are so very grateful to everyone who believes hockey should be a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for all,” the makers of Pride Tape said on social media. “We are extremely happy that NHL players will now have the option to voluntarily represent important social causes with their stick tape throughout season.”The tape ban drew criticism from players around the league, longtime executive Brian Burke and others.

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Persons: Brian Burke, Philadelphia's Scott Laughton, he'd, Arizona's Travis Dermott, Trevor van Riemsdyk, “ There’s, ” van Riemdsyk, ” Burke, ” “, ” Organizations: NHL, Washington Capitals