Brian Burke gets Sidney Crosby involved in answer to Pride night controversies in NHL

It all started last month when Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov did not want to wear the team’s Pride Night-themed warmup jersey, stating his religion as the main factor.

Just days later, the New York Rangers scaled back on scheduled their Pride event as players did not warmup with the themed jerseys.

It got people talking and certainly got Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations Brian Burke to react, he who was disappointed with decisions made by Provorov and the Rangers.

“I would view this as a much bigger setback if I didn’t view it as ‘we’re still going the right way,’” Burke said in an interview with The Athletic. “In other words: As disappointed as I am, it’s important that people realize these are setbacks of a minor nature, in my view, in terms of where we are, versus where we were 12 years ago.

“And I don’t think anyone should lose sight of that.”

To keep his focus on helping the cause, Burke announced on Friday that he is hoping fans will join him in doing some good while we enjoy some great games. Burke announced that he will be donating to You Can Play $100 for every goal scored Saturday, and $200 for every goal scored by the Penguins’ representative and captain Sidney Crosby.

You Can Play Project aims to ensure equality, respect and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation. The NHL and its players first partnered with You Can Play in April 2013. The group’s first campaign kicked off in 2012 following a 2010 car accident that took the life of 21-year-old Brendan Burke, the youngest son of Brian Burke.

Let’s hope Sid can rack up a lot of goals and the rest of the All-Star roster can also find the back of the net for a great cause.

Recommended articles:

• Rangers respond to their 'Pride jersey' controversy.
• Rangers spark another 'Pride jersey' controversy in the NHL.
• You Can Play has best answer to get back at Flyers’ Ivan Provorov
• NHL reacts to Ivan Provorov refusing to wear Pride Night-themed jersey in Philly
• Provorov explains why he refuses to wear Pride Night-themed jersey before cutting postgame interview short