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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov takes part in a pregame warm-up as his team dons pride-themed jerseys and uses warm-up sticks wrapped in rainbow pride tape. He cited his Russian Orthodox religion as a reason for not doing so.

Provorov, 26, didn’t skate with his teammates before Tuesday night’s game against Anaheim.

“I respect everyone’s choice,” Provorov said after the match. “My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That’s all I want to say.”

Provorov declined to answer additional questions about his decision.

The jersey and stick were to be auctioned off by the Flyers after the game. Proceeds go to the team’s charities and efforts to grow the game of hockey in various communities.

The Flyers also hosted a pre-game skate for local LGBTQ+ youth. Flyers players James van Riemsdyk and Scott Laughton are staunch community advocates, launching a program to support local LGBTQ+ youth in the Philadelphia area.

Flyers coach John Tortorella said Provorov was “true to himself and his religion.”

“One of the things I admire about Provy is that he’s always honest with himself,” Tortorella said.

“I’m not going to answer,” said All-Star forward Kevin Hayes, who scored a hat-trick against Anaheim, when asked what he thought of Provorov’s decision.

The Wells Fargo Center was decked out in rainbow colors on Tuesday night to represent the LGBTQ+ community through special Pride-themed arena LEDs, décor and rainbow-themed team merchandise.

“The Philadelphia Flyers Organization is committed to inclusivity and is proud to support the LGBTQ+ community,” the team said in a post-game statement. This year’s annual pride night. Flyers remains a strong advocate for inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ community. “

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AP NHL: www.apnews.com/hub/NHL and www.twitter.com/AP_Sports

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