Teams sport unique warmup jerseys, auction off other apparel for LGBTQ+ rights
ByPat Pickens @Pat_Pickens / NHL.com Staff Writer
In the spirit of Hockey Is For Everyone, the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins participated in the NHL's first joint Pride game at First Niagara Center on Saturday.
The Penguins and Sabres each wore unique Pride game jerseys for warmups and auctioned them off along with game-used sticks, pucks and other apparel, with proceeds generating You Can Play. They also teamed up to create a video where team members detailed the initiative's importance.
We’re all on the same team when it comes to inclusion. Respect and acceptance are at the heart of hockey.
Today we join forces with the @BuffaloSabres in bringing together our cities to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities.
Jason Zucker, the Penguins forward known for his philanthropic efforts, also produced a limited-edition hat that is for sale until May 1 with proceeds benefiting the Penguins Foundation and its LGBTQ+ charities. The Sabres also asked the Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus to sing the national anthems.
Thank you to the Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus for performing today's anthems for our Pride Game! pic.twitter.com/tZzbaNhWG3
Performing virtually and outdoors, the chorus donned blazers and Sabres jerseys for fantastic performances of "O Canada" and "The Star-Spangled Banner."