Kavin Mistry/NHLI/Getty Photographs
James Reimer #47 of the San Jose Sharks skates throughout warmups earlier than the sport in opposition to the Boston Bruins on the SAP Middle on January 7, 2023 in San Jose, California.
CNN
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Citing his Christian religion, San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer mentioned he selected to not put on a jersey for pregame warmups in assist of the LGBTQIA+ group Saturday as a part of the crew's weekly “Delight Night time” festivities.
“All through my 13-year NHL profession, I’ve been a Christian — not simply in title, however in how I select to dwell my life daily,” Reimer mentioned in a press release earlier than Saturday's 4-1 dwelling loss to New York. Islanders.
“I’ve private religion in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for my sins, and in response he asks me to like everybody and comply with him.
“I’ve no hatred in my coronary heart for anybody and I’ve at all times tried to deal with everybody I meet with respect and kindness.
“On this explicit case, I selected to not assist one thing that contradicts my private beliefs, that are primarily based on the Bible, the very best authority in my life.
“I firmly consider that each individual has value and worth, and the LGBTQIA+ group, like everybody else, needs to be welcomed in all elements of hockey.”
Sharks gamers wore Delight jerseys designed by San Jose artist Houyee Chow, who describes herself as a queer artist and educator on her Instagram account.
The jersey options the Delight crest and a “Love Wins” patch, and San Jose mentioned it’s “extraordinarily proud to host” the “Delight Night time” festivities in assist of the LGBTQIA+ group, including that it’s devoted to “an inclusive, welcoming and secure atmosphere for all visitors.”
“As we uphold these requirements, we additionally acknowledge and embrace the rights of people to precise themselves, together with how or whether or not they select to precise their beliefs, whatever the trigger or matter,” the Sharks mentioned in a pre-game assertion.
“As a company, we is not going to relent in our assist of the LGBTQIA+ group and can proceed to encourage others to turn into energetic allies.”
Reimer didn’t play within the Sharks loss.
Neville E. Guard/USA At this time Sports activities/Reuters
Reimer (47) makes a save in opposition to the Seattle Kraken in the course of the first interval on the SAP Middle in San Jose on March 16.
The 35-year-old Reimer, who’s in his second season with San Jose and might be a free agent after the season, was requested by a reporter earlier than the sport if he was involved his social standing would possibly stop one other crew from signing him. him within the offseason.
“I'd be mendacity if I mentioned it didn't cross my thoughts,” Reimer mentioned. “This isn’t the place I wished to take.
“I noticed it occur and I began having conversations virtually a yr in the past with folks in excessive locations, not as a result of I used to be ashamed of my religion, however due to among the penalties it might need for me or for different individuals who it feels that manner.
“These conversations have taken place and right here I’m standing up for what I consider in. I'm positive there are folks in administration or possession who is not going to look favorably on this.
“On the similar time, I hope there's one other handful of individuals in administration or possession who respect me for standing up for what I consider in, and that's a giant a part of who I’m.”
After the sport, the crew thanked the followers for the celebration.
“We all know one group can't make all of the modifications we're making an attempt to make to make hockey (and the world) extra welcoming for everybody, but it surely's a begin. With all of you, we are able to make an affect.”
Reimer performed in 35 video games this season, beginning 34 of them. He’s 10-17-7 with a 3.26 goals-against common and .895 save share.
