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1 year ago
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Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury was told by the NHL he could not wear a custom mask for the team's Native American Heritage night, his agent said Friday.
Allan Walsh confirmed his client was informed he couldn't wear the mask, even for warmups. The league prohibits players from wearing specialty jerseys, masks, stickers, decals or tape for theme nights.
The league initially banned players from using rainbow-colored tape on Pride nights before reversing that decision after receiving backlash from around the hockey community.
Teams are not allowed to dress players in themed jerseys for warmups this season after a handful of players decided last season to opt out of Pride Night warmups that included specialty jerseys.
With the Wild celebrating Native American Heritage night Friday against Colorado, Fleury wanted to honor his wife, Veronique, an Indigenous woman, with a specially designed mask.
Minnesota Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has been told he cannot honor his wife with his mask
Fleury had hoped to wear a customized mask to mark Wild's Native American Heritage Night
Fleury is pictured with his wife Veronique (right), with whom he has three children
The NHL recently lifted a ban on rainbow-colored Pride Tape after a significant backlash
Fleury has been threatened with a 'significant fine' by the league if he disobeys their orders
Walsh said Fleury offered to pay whatever fine he'd receive and the NHL threatened to levy the organization with an 'additional significant fine.'
It was not clear how much either of those fines would be. The Wild had no comment, while a message sent to the NHL regarding the situation was not immediately returned.
Fleury, 38, is a three-time Stanley Cup champion and won the Vezina Trophy in 2021 as the league's top goaltender.
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