Minnesota Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury said he was upset Friday that due to league rules, the team would not allow him to wear a custom-designed mask for Native American Heritage Night in honor of his wife, Veronique, who is a registered member of a tribe in Canada.
Ahead of this season, the NHL clarified its guidance about what players and teams can do for “special initiatives” like heritage nights, including banning specialty jerseys during warmups. That also initially included banning the use of stick tape, like Pride tape, to support social causes — a decision the league reversed late last month.
Fleury said he was willing to limit his use of the mask to warmups — and accept a fine, according to his agent Allan Walsh — but the team will not let him because they were twice instructed by the NHL that it was against the rules. Fleury called the league’s decision “stupid.”
The NHL did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.
The mask was designed by Prairie Island Indian Community member and artist Cole Redhorse Taylor and inspired by traditional Dakota floral patterns — also a nod to Fleury, nicknamed “Flower.” It is autographed by Fleury and will be up for bid as part of the annual Minnesota Wild-Prairie Island Indian Community Native…
