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In a society where athletes are increasingly pressured to join the leftist agenda, it is a rare occasion when one stands firm in their opposing beliefs. However, this one NHL player took it a step further and courageously defied the current unpopular mob. A committed man of God refusing to falter.

When the majority of a team shows a unified support for LGBT rights by donning rainbow jerseys, it may appear as nothing more than a performative gesture by an organization hoping to appear progressive. However, when Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov refused to wear his team’s pride uniform during a warm-up, he took an unexpected stance against what could have been seen as corporate social justice. His decision was unique in that it showed real conviction despite the popular opinion of his peers. It’s up for debate among the left for going against the status quo, but within normal society we salute his move.

The Western Journal reports, It is hardly brave to make an entire team wear a jersey that symbolizes gay pride as a gesture of support for LGBT rights. It’s the exact opposite of progressive bravery: woke conformity.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov, however, exhibited a rare moment of conviction amid yet another pro forma display of corporate wokeitude: He refused to wear the uniform.

ESPN reported that Provorov refused to take part in the pregame warm-up during the Flyers’ Tuesday night game against the Anaheim Ducks because he felt he could not wear the Flyers’ “Pride Night” jersey with good conscience.

Let’s take a look at what they tried to force players to wear.

ESPN reported, “Before the game, the Flyers wore Pride-themed jerseys and used sticks wrapped in rainbow tape, both of which are being auctioned off by Flyers Charities with proceeds going toward their efforts to grow the game in diverse communities.”

Ivan Provorov, who is a Russian Orthodox Christian, had his own intentions:

This time it wasn’t as bad compared  when wokeness was at its peak last year. When several players for Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays refused to wear LGBT-pride uniforms last year for similar reasons, this reaction from an ESPN announcer — all but calling the players outright bigots for their religious beliefs.

John Tortorella, the legendary coach of the NHL, had Provorov’s back, telling reporters he wouldn’t consider scratching him from the lineup.

It is refreshing to see a professional NHL player stand up for their values, even when those values may not be popular. This player deserves to be praised highly for the courage they demonstrated during this situation and it is wonderful to see that their coach fully supported them in this decision. It is a reminder that while sports may be popular, they are often not associated with politics or seeking social justice. Most hockey fans watch the NHL because they love the game and all of its intense action – not exclusively because it also stands for certain causes or ideology. For an athlete to stand proudly for something, even when it is unfashionable, is quite admirable in today’s society. Despite what the woke minority mob wants to complain about.

Let’s continue this conversation, in the comments below.