Flyers’ Provorov skips Pride warmup

Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov cited his Russian Orthodox religion as the reason he did not participate in pregame warmups when the team wore Pride-themed jerseys and used sticks wrapped in rainbow Pride tape. The 26-yearold Provorov didn’t take part in the pregame skate with his teammates before their game against the Ducks on Tuesday night, when the Flyers celebrated their annual Pride night in celebration and support of the LGBTQ community. He played nearly 23 minutes in the Flyers’ 5-2 victory. “I respect everybody’s choices,” Provorov said after the game. “My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That’s all I’m going to say.” Flyers coach John Tortorella said Provorov “was true to himself and to his religion.” “It’s one thing I respect about Provy, he’s always true to himself,” Tortorella said. The Flyers hosted a pregame skate for local LGBTQ youth. Flyers players James van Riemsdyk and Scott Laughton have been staunch supporters of the community and launched a program in support of local LGBTQ youth. Laughton said overall the Flyers had a “great, great night that brings a lot of awareness.” He also said there would be more conversations ahead with Provorov, who moved from Russia to the U.S. as a teenager.