Penguins forward Jason Zucker remains steadfast in supporting Pride initiatives

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jason Zucker can offer a frugal economy of vocabulary on certain subjects.

Like himself, for example.

When he was immersed in a recent hot streak that saw him produce nine goals in only eight games, Zucker, either through modesty or superstition, didn’t want to get too deep into the topic.

What was working for him during that streak?

“Good linemates.”

Has he ever had a streak like that?

“No.”

There are other matters Zucker will be more loquacious on.

Such as the NHL’s Pride initiatives with the LGBTQ community.

“I want to support them and the entire LGBTQIA+ community,” Zucker said. “There’s incredible people. For me, it’s something that I always make sure I support.”

For more than a decade, the league has offered support through inclusion of those marginalized populations, particularly in recent years via the practice of team-specific Pride Nights in which players wear specialized jerseys during warmups that are auctioned off for the benefit of corresponding charities.

In the Penguins’ case, their Pride Game on Dec. 12 helped raise funds for the You Can Play Project and Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation. Zucker’s Give16 campaign — which supports several initiatives — participated by donating rainbow hats from the UNRL brand.

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— Jason Zucker (@Jason_Zucker16) June 24, 2022

For the most part, these nights have gone on for several seasons without any hitches. Players skated before the game in different jerseys and funds were raised.

Things changed this season, however, especially within recent weeks.

On Jan. 17, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov declined to participate in his team’s warmup for its Pride event, citing his religious beliefs as a member of the Russian Orthodox church.

Following that, the Minnesota Wild, New York Islanders and New York Rangers opted to not wear the jerseys at all during warmups but still celebrated their Pride events.

This past Saturday, San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer declined to participate in warmups for reasons similar to Provorov’s. Reimer is also a Christian, though he did not identify what denomination.

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Unlike Provorov, Reimer fielded several questions on his decision.

“I have no hate in my heart for anyone,” Reimer said to media in San Jose on Saturday. “I’ve always strived to treat everyone with respect and kindness. In this specific instance, I am personally choosing to not endorse something, you know, a sexual identity or orientation that is counter to my convictions which are based in the Bible, which I consider the highest authority in my life.”

Zucker declined to address Reimer’s words. But it’s clear their stances differ.

“I’ve got to be respectful of other players’ opinions,” Zucker said on Monday. “And I’m not going to comment on his opinion, his choice. For me, I’m fully supportive of Pride Night with the Penguins organization and across the league. I’ll make sure that I do my part to raise the awareness and be as supportive as possible.”

Zucker doesn’t just talk the talk. He has put action to words on this and other initiatives involving everything ranging from pediatric illnesses to developmental disabilities to military veterans. In 2019, as a member of the Minnesota Wild, Zucker won the NHL’s King Clancy Memorial Trophy which goes “to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.”

With regard to his avid support of LGBTQ initiatives, Zucker takes on the task in a personal fashion.

If you can play, you can play.

The @pensfoundation will be selling #PrideGame shirts, warmup pucks, and UNRL rainbow hats from Jason Zucker's Give16 campaign at their booth (behind Section 104) tonight.

Fundraising will benefit @YouCanPlayTeam and Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation. pic.twitter.com/p7SuyMXUxh

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 12, 2022

“I’ve got a lot of friends that are in the gay community,” Zucker said. “They’re amazing people. To me, I feel very badly that there’s any types of issues towards them, discrimination towards them. Hate speech, all the above, to me is a horrible thing they have to go through for no reason. It’s something that I feel strongly about.”

Zucker indicated no member of the Penguins has signaled any objection to wearing warmup jerseys or participating in any other activities in support of the team’s Pride functions.

“We’ve had discussions but in a positive light,” Zucker said. “Never towards somebody not wanting to support. We’ve had discussions about friends and family and loved ones that are gay that are going through some of these issues, these battles. We’ve had discussions around that and just the things that they’ve been through with their friends, loved ones and family members.

“For us, it’s about making sure that we show that support as well.”

Given some of the impediments the NHL has encountered on this topic this season, the league or specific teams could alter their approach to how they celebrate the LGBTQ communities.

One thing that isn’t bound to change is Zucker’s unrelenting advocacy.

“It’s a never-ending discussion — I’ll say battle — in making sure that we raise the awareness and show the support and show the inclusion,” Zucker said. “They’re welcomed in our game, they’re welcomed in our buildings, absolutely everywhere. Not only welcomed, but wanted. For me, it’s a no-brainer discussion on my side that it should be much more well-rounded and much more inclusive than it currently is.

“I feel bad for their community. I’ll make sure I do whatever I can to show the inclusion.”