I’ll admit: I’m not much of an NHL fan.
But after last night, I would say I’m a fan of Ivan Provorov.
The Philadelphia Flyer refused to bend the knee during “Pride Night” and opted to sit out the warmup and NOT dawn the rainbow jersey.
His reason? His faith.
Provorov cited his Russian Orthodox faith as his reason for not participating in the warmup or wearing the jersey.
Check out what he had to say when asked about it:
“I respect everyones choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion.”
Wise words and a pretty standup response, right? How could anyone argue with that?
Our friends over at Fox News were happy to point out what sports commentator and fellow Russian E.J. Hradek had to say to Provorov:
On Wednesday’s edition of “NHL Now” on the NHL Network, senior reporter E.J. Hradek gave Provorov, who is Russian, an ultimatum. “Ivan Provorov can get on a plane any day he wants and go back to a place where he feels more comfortable, take less money and get on with his life that way if it’s that problematic for him …” Hradek said. “If this is that much of a problem for him, to maybe assimilate into his group of teammates, and in the community and here in this country, that’s OK. Listen, you can feel any way you want. But the beauty is, if it bothers you that much, there’s always a chance to leave, go back to where you feel more comfortable — I understand there’s a conflict of sorts going on over there, maybe get involved.”
@ClayTravis pic.twitter.com/iOiakanEcG
— TJ (@tschultz_5) January 19, 2023
Yeah Ivan, just assimilate! C’mon, man!
WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?!
Ivan knows what the big deal is:
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” Matthew 16:26.
Ivan gets it! And wouldn’t it be great if there were more Ivans that had the courage and conviction to stand by their faith and challenge the agenda being shoved down everyones throats?
Luckily, his coach seems to get it and supports his decision. Surprised their not both canned or suspended by now!
New York Post has more
Flyers coach John Tortorella confirmed during his postgame press conference why Provorov, 26, was absent from warmups and said he did not consider benching him. He referred to the organization’s statement and the “beliefs that we have” about a “great night” before sharing brief thoughts on Provorov.
“With Provy, he’s being true to himself and his religion,” Tortorella said. “This has to do with his belief and his religion. It’s one thing I respect about Provy is he is always true to himself.”
Provorov not only came out on top by standing for his religion, but took home the W with a 5-2 win over the Ducks.
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