STAAL BROTHERS REFUSE TO WEAR PRIDE JERSEYS

Eric and Marc Staal, who play on the Florida Panthers, refused to wear Pride-themed jerseys Thursday night before their home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. They cited their Christian beliefs in a statement. Panthers’ star goaltender, Sergei Bobrovsky, who is Russian, wore the jersey in the warm-up. Earlier, the Chicago Blackhawks, who have several players with connections to Russia, said they would not wear Pride-themed warm-up jerseys before Sunday’s game against Vancouver. The NHL cited security concerns in Russia.