MONTREAL (AP) 鈥� The Montreal Canadiens' Denis Gurianov has decided not to wear his team's themed warmup jersey for , citing family reasons.
The Russian forward is the seventh NHL player to recently on their teams鈥� Pride nights. Gurianov will not take part in the pregame skate when the Canadiens host the Washington Capitals.
Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said it was hard to comment on Gurianov鈥檚 decision because he鈥檇 never walked a day in his shoes.
鈥淚 think anybody can say you鈥檇 always try to protect your family, so I have a tough time judging that,鈥� St. Louis said. 鈥�(Gurianov) is a great kid, it鈥檚 tough.鈥�
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Russian and Canadians and brothers all cited religious beliefs for refusing to take part in warmups in rainbow-colored jerseys. said he would not participate because of the law in Russia, where he was born. And , another Russian player, decided not to wear the special uniform after discussions with his family.
Despite Gurianov sitting out, St. Louis stressed how important the night is for the organization.
鈥淲e鈥檙e all on this planet, we should love each other, and tonight鈥檚 one of those nights,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e, the Montreal Canadiens, really care about this night, and so do I, it鈥檚 a great night.鈥�
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