BREAKING: Leon Draisaitl announces his refusal to celebrate Pride Month in June — he says “WOKE” doesn’t deserve to be commemorated, citing… Full Story Below 👇👇👇

In a stunning and polarizing announcement that has sent shockwaves across the NHL and beyond, Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl has publicly stated that he will not be participating in Pride Month celebrations, drawing a sharp line between his personal beliefs and the growing trend of inclusivity events in professional sports.

Speaking during a press interaction, the 2020 Hart Trophy winner did not mince words.

> “I respect everyone’s right to live their life as they want,” Draisaitl said. “But I won’t take part in what has turned into a WOKE movement. Pride Month today isn’t about hockey or respect — it’s about politics. And I don’t think that deserves to be commemorated in sports.”

The Context

Over the past few years, NHL Pride Nights — where players often wear rainbow-themed warm-up jerseys and teams host LGBTQ+ awareness events — have become an important part of the league’s push for diversity and inclusion.

However, they’ve also been met with resistance from some players, often citing personal, cultural, or religious beliefs. Draisaitl’s statement marks one of the most direct refusals yet from a marquee player, and it has already ignited a firestorm of reactions online.

Fans and Community React

Supporters of Draisaitl are praising his honesty and his willingness to stand against what they see as “forced political correctness” in sports. Hashtags such as #IStandWithLeon and #KeepHockeyHockey began trending within hours.

Critics, however, argue that his stance undermines years of work done to make hockey a more inclusive space for fans and players of all backgrounds. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have already expressed disappointment, calling his comments “a setback for hockey’s growth.”

NHL’s Official Position

While the league has not yet released a formal statement regarding Draisaitl’s comments, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has in the past reaffirmed the league’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, while also stating that players have the right to choose whether or not to participate in themed events.

What Comes Next?

With Pride Month only a few weeks away, all eyes will be on Edmonton to see whether the Oilers organization decides to make a separate statement or if other players will follow Draisaitl’s lead.

The controversy comes at a critical moment for the NHL, which continues to balance its push for inclusivity with the personal values of its athletes.

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Do you think Draisaitl’s comments are a brave stand or a damaging move?
The conversation is just beginning, and it promises to be one of the hottest debates of the 2025 hockey offseason.