NHL threatens to fine Fleury, Minnesota Wild over special goalie mask
The Minnesota Wild play host to the Colorado Avalanche tonight, for 'Native American Heritage Night'. Ahead of the special occasion, Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury collaborated with the Prairie Island Community to have a special mask designed. The mask was designed by Dakota artist Cole Redhorse Taylor. The occasion is of significance for Fleury and his family as his wife, Veronique is indigenous.
The NHL's new rules regarding special occasions were going to prevent Fleury from sporting the mask during warm-ups tonight the same way they tried to prevent players from using 'Pride Tape'. Unfortunately for Fleury, he won't be able to wear the mask.
The NHL informed Fleury on Friday that if he wears the special mask, the league would fine him. According to Fleury's agent Allan Walsh, Fleury informed the NHL he was going to wear it anyway. Fleury was ready to wear the mask and eat the fine. However, the league also told Fleury that if he wore the mask, the league would also fine the Minnesota Wild.
Earlier this season, the NHL reversed its ban on 'Pride Tape' when Arizona Coyotes defenseman and former Maple Leaf Travis Dermott played a game with it and received an outpouring of support on social media, along with a number of other current players saying they would use the tape regardless of what the NHL said.
While that was somewhat of a positive for the league, it should have never been an issue to begin with. Now, they are in the same position and continue to take one step forward and two steps backwards in their 'Hockey is for Everyone' campaign. The league had created these new rules to prevent distractions regarding special events, but have become their own biggest distraction instead.
Shameful behaviour by the NHL here.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 24 | 129 ANSWERS NHL threatens to fine Fleury, Minnesota Wild over special goalie mask Will the Minnesota Wild make the playoffs this season? | ||
| Yes | 48 | 37.2 % |
| No | 81 | 62.8 % |
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