NHL rescinds Pride tape ban, will let players use stick tape for causes

The NHL, NHLPA, and NHL Player Inclusion Coalition agreed to allow players to represent social causes with stick tape on Tuesday.

The agreement comes after Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott became the first player to defy the league's ban on the use of Pride tape in a game Saturday against the Anaheim Ducks.

The NHL's board of governors banned cause-based jerseys and the use of Pride tape during the offseason. A select number of players opted not to wear Pride jerseys and decals last season.

The ban received notable pushback from players.

"For us - 99% of the guys in the league - it's all about growing the game and making sure it's inclusive for every single guy," Colorado Avalanche star blue-liner Cale Makar said.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly voiced his displeasure with the decision earlier in October.

"I wish players had the right to kind of do more and be more involved," Rielly said. "As players, we're going to continue to be involved pretty much no matter what the league says."

Dermott isn't expected to face punishment for using Pride tape while the ban was in effect, according to PHNX Sports' Craig Morgan.