Fleury Mask

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NHL goalie Marc-Andre Fleury defied the league's ban on his Native American heritage mask during warm-ups. The mask, designed to honor his Indigenous wife, was deemed inappropriate by the NHL. Fleury's actions sparked a debate about cultural sensitivity and the league's policies.

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Marc-Andre Fleury, a goaltender for the NHL team the Minnesota Wild, sparked controversy when he wore a Native American heritage mask during warmups before a game on Native American Heritage Night. The mask featured traditional Native American symbols and imagery, and was designed to honor Fleury's Indigenous wife and her family.

The NHL initially banned Fleury from wearing the mask during warmups, citing a violation of their uniform policy. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that the league has a policy regarding player equipment and attire, and that the mask did not comply with these regulations. However, the league allowed Fleury to wear the mask during the game itself.

Fleury defied the ban and wore the mask during the warmups regardless. He received support from his teammates, fans, and even other NHL players, with some claiming that the league's decision was misguided and racially insensitive. Fleury's mask designer also criticized the NHL, calling their ban "racist" and arguing that it disregarded the customs and contributions of Indigenous peoples.

Fleury's agent revealed that the NHL had threatened him and the Wild with significant fines if Fleury continued to wear the mask in warmups. Nonetheless, Fleury persisted and wore the mask, even as the NHL issued a statement reaffirming their ban.

The controversy surrounding the mask led to a larger discussion about cultural appropriation and the importance of respecting Indigenous cultures and traditions. Some players, like former NHL goaltender Roberto Luongo, expressed frustration with the league's decision and urged the NHL to reevaluate their policies on cultural expression.

In the end, Fleury's actions brought attention to Indigenous issues and sparked conversations about cultural sensitivity within the NHL. While the league maintained their ban on the mask, Fleury's defiance and show of support for his wife's heritage made a lasting impact.

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Recent Coverage

Marc-Andre Fleury defied NHL with Native American Heritage mask

Yardbarker - 420 days ago - The NHL told Minnesota Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury on Friday that he was not permitted to wear a custom-designed mask to celebrate the team's Native American Heritage Night, threatening both him and the team with fines. Fleury did not care about the threat and wore the mask anyway for the team's warmup against the Colorado Avalanche. After a very small handful of players complained about having to wear rainbow-themed jerseys on Pride nights around the league last season, the NHL put in a rule this season that prohibited players from wearing specialty-themed jerseys, masks and tape. It was not a popular rule change, especially since the league gave in to a very vocal minority. The NHL already reversed course one time after the rule change and said it would allow players to use rainbow stick tape during warmups. Not allowing Fleury to wear the mask was proving to be a PR disaster for the league. The mask was designed by artist Cole Redhorse Taylor and featured quotes from Fleury's dad and the names of his

Wild’s Marc-Andre Fleury dons Native American mask after NHL says not to

The Guardian - 421 days ago - Minnesota goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury was told he could not wear a custom mask for the team’s Native American Heritage night, his agent said

NHL Bars Minnesota Wild Goalie from Wearing Native American Heritage Mask During Warmups

Breitbart - 421 days ago - The National Hockey League has nixed plans by Minnesota Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury to wear a Native American-themed mask on the ice.

Despite ban, Fleury wears Native American mask

ESPN - 421 days ago - Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury wore a custom Native American Heritage night mask in warmups on Friday despite the NHL having forbidden him from doing so because it violated league policy on players wearing specialty equipment on theme nights.

Marc-Andre Fleury defies NHL policy by wearing commemorative Native American Heritage mask in warmups

Yardbarker - 421 days ago - Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury has elected to ignore the National Hockey League’s ban on commemorative warm-up equipment by wearing a custom mask honoring Native American heritage prior to Friday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche. Fleury, 38, took to the ice wearing the mask – designed by Native American artist Cole Redhorse Taylor – at the Xcel Energy Center on Friday evening despite The Athletic‘s Michael Russo indicating earlier in the day that the NHL had threatened to fine Fleury and the Wild if he defied the league’s ban on wearing one-off equipment commemorating social causes. According to Russo, Fleury commissioned the mask to honor his wife, who is Native. Included among the design elements on the mask are the names of Fleury’s children and a quote from his father. The Wild are celebrating Native American Heritage Day during their game against the Avalanche on Friday. Fleury’s agent, Allan Walsh, took to social media on Friday to voice issue with the NHL’s decision in very strong te

Wild's Marc-Andre Fleury wears Native American Heritage mask after being told he couldn't

USA Today - 421 days ago - Marc-Andre Fleury wore a custom mask for the Minnesota Wild’s Native American Heritage night Friday after being told by the NHL it was not allowed.

Roberto Luongo frustrated by NHL trying to ban Marc-Andre Fleury’s Native American Heritage mask

Yardbarker - 421 days ago - Former Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo has expressed his displeasure at the National Hockey League attempting to ban a commemorative goalie mask worn by Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury on Friday. Fleury, 38, skated out for warm-ups prior to Friday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche wearing a special one-off mask celebrating Native American Heritage Day. But early on Friday, The Athletic‘s Michael Russo and Fleury’s agent, Allan Walsh, indicated that the league threatened significant fines against both Fleury and the Wild organization if the goaltender donned the mask prior to the game against Colorado. The Wild held their own Native American Heritage celebration at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota on Friday. In advance of the special night, Fleury commissioned a mask designed by Native artist Cole Redhorse Taylor in honor of his wife, who is also Native. Among the design elements inscribed on the mask are the names of Fleury’s children and a quote from his own father. The

Marc-Andre Fleury defies NHL ban, wears Native American Heritage Night mask

New York Post - 421 days ago - Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury is wearing his custom mask after all.