NHL officially postpones playoff games until the weekend
Posted August 27, 2020 2:56 pm.
Last Updated August 27, 2020 6:22 pm.
In support of the Black Lives Matter movement, the NHL has decided to postpone tonight and Friday’s scheduled playoff games.
As such, all eight remaining playoff teams will miss one game each, with action set to resume on Saturday.
Statement from the National Hockey League Players’ Association and National Hockey League. https://t.co/uV1F5iDeUS pic.twitter.com/JS2t0MvUij
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) August 27, 2020
The NHL says Black and Brown communities face “real, painful experiences” and acknowledge that much work remains to be done.
The statement also mentions Jacob Blake, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor by name, adding: “We pledge to work to use our sport to influence positive change in society.”
The NHL’s decision to play on Wednesday sparked outrage online and from several Black hockey players, including San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane, who said: “it’s incredibly insulting as a black man in hockey the lack of action and acknowledgement from the NHL.”
Minnesota defenceman and founding alliance member Matt Dumba also criticized the NHL for going ahead with games.
The police-involved shooting of Blake – an unarmed Black man in Kenosha, Wisconsin – has sent shock waves around the globe, with the NBA postponing its playoff games today, and some MLB teams holding out, as well.
