Wild players wore special edition Pride sweaters during pre-game warmups and nearly every player on the roster was using Pride tape on their sticks to show support.
It's an initiative that has really started to take off in recent years, thanks to growing support from teams and the league, as well as the players inside the dressing room.
"Me, as one player, I can have an impact on the individuals that I interact with," Merrill said. "But to have the support of the league and most of the players in the league, you see the rainbow tape on their sticks during warmups, I think that goes a long ways towards making people feel supported here and in this game and in all of the sporting world. Whether they want to play or just be a fan, I think it's really cool.
As a newcomer in the Wild's room this season, Merrill said he's been heartened by the level of openness and inclusion he's seen from his new teammates, a group that does a lot more than just talking the talk. They walk the walk too.
"[We have] a bunch of good guys in this room, and good guys going beyond just being a good teammate to people who are like [them]," Merrill said. "I think the true definition of a good person and a good guy is being accepting of everybody and appreciating everyone's differences and celebrating them. That's why you see, every time we've had an opportunity to put tape on our stick, or whatever it is, you see the whole team in support of any cause and wanting to be a team that is a role model for everyone in the community."
And as a dad of four little "monsters," Merrill says passing those values of inclusion, opportunity and love are crucial parts of the way he and Molina raise their girls.
"I think that as parents, it's our responsibility to pass along that idea of inclusion and acceptance of all," Merrill said. "I think it's a huge responsibility, and it's a gift to be able to pass that along, to give another generation of my bloodline that mindset of including everybody and not passing judgement, just being accepting of all."
Photos by Brandon McCauley