The national anthem controversy that has surrounded the NFL the last week seems to "have spared the NHL," as no player "has knelt during performances" of the song so far during the preseason, according to Matthew Paras of the WASHINGTON TIMES. Several top American players "have come out against the idea." Bruins C David Backes said that there are "more appropriate ways to protest" than to sit during the anthem. Maple Leafs C Auston Matthews added that he would "stand for the anthem our of respect for those who served in the military, including members of his own family." NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said that players’ views on political and social issues “'are a matter of individual belief and individual choice,' leaving open the possibility the NHL could see individual anthem protests before the league’s regular season starts next week" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 9/28). Predators D P.K. Subban, who is Canadian, said he will “never” kneel during the anthem in a political protest. He said that he has "too much respect for the American flag." Subban is "considered the most prominent black player in pro hockey." Sharks RW Joel Ward, who also is black, earlier in the week said he would not rule out kneeling during the anthem (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 9/27).
AROUND THE LEAGUE: In New Jersey, Andrew Gross reports there has been "little discussion" about protests in the Devils locker room. Devils D Andy Greene: "It really hasn’t come up in our locker room. Whether someone will do it or not, I guess when we cross that bridge we’ll talk about it." Devils RW Kyle Palmieri: "The way the NHL is set up, there’s quite a few people who aren’t from the United States and the politics of it is not really an issue" (Bergen RECORD, 9/28). Capitals coach Barry Trotz said that he "won't address his team" on how to handle the anthem. He said, "For me personally, we’re honoring the flag. We’re maybe not honoring some of the things that are going on in our country" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 9/28). Penguins coach Mike Sullivan yesterday while defending the team's upcoming trip to the White House "gave the impression Penguins players will not become a part of the national anthem protests" (TRIBLIVE.com, 9/27). Predators coach Peter Laviolette: "We met as a group (Tuesday), and our decision is we’re going to stand for the national anthem out of respect for the anthem, for our country, for the people who serve for our country" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 9/27).
LIKE IT OR NOT...: THE HOCKEY NEWS' Ken Campbell wrote the NHL is "getting drawn into this debate" around protests "whether it likes it or not." Some have said that the Penguins’ decision to visit the White House "reinforces the notion that hockey is only for white people." Penguins C Sidney Crosby has been "accused publicly of being either ignorant or not caring when it comes to this issue." Campbell: "But what we’re seeing for the most part in the NHL is a respect for a person or an organization to be able to express themself, or not express themself, in whatever way they see fit. And that is definitely a good thing" (THEHOCKEYNEWS.com, 9/27).
