Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury stirred controversy on Friday when he sported a custom Native American Heritage night mask in warmups. Fleury took the decision despite the NHL nixing the idea. As per NHL policy, Players should refrain from donning specialty equipment on theme nights.
Fleury’s intention was to honor his wife, Véronique, who is of Native Canadian descent. The mask, crafted by artist Cole Redhorse Taylor, carried personal significance for Fleury.
However, the NHL, citing a new policy this season, informed him that wearing the mask in the game or during warmups was a no-go. Fleury offered to pay any fine but was met with a threat of an “additional significant fine” to the Wild organization.
ESPN sources suggest no expected punishment for Fleury or the Wild from the NHL. The Avalanche won the game 3-2, and Fleury didn’t play.
The NHL prohibited “specialty” jerseys for causes like Pride, military appreciation, or ethnic heritage nights in June. This ban covers on-ice player uniforms and gear during warmups, practices, and games.
In October, after a round of flare-ups and discussions, NHL allowed Pride Tape and to support the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Interestingly, the league permitted goalies Sergei Bobrovsky and Philipp Grubauer to wear specialty masks for Hockey Fights Cancer nights this season. NHL justified the same in their prior use of cancer-awareness masks and the nature of the cause they supported.
The Wild inquired about Fleury’s mask a month ago, initially thinking he could wear it in warmups. Despite players using Pride tape, the NHL reaffirmed a strict stance this week.
The artist, Redhorse Taylor, expressed his honor in designing the mask on Instagram, announcing it would be auctioned for a Native American-led charity in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Bids approached $6,000 on Friday night. Autographed Native American Heritage Night jerseys from the game are also up for auction.
