Will the Dallas Stars ever bring back Pride jerseys? The debate continues

The NHL made headlines when it decided to stop using special warm-up jerseys tied to theme nights, including Pride, Military Appreciation, and Hockey Fights Cancer. That move has left teams like Dallas caught in the middle of a conversation much bigger than hockey.

For some fans, the decision is frustrating. Pride nights had become a way to highlight inclusivity, and jerseys were often auctioned off to raise money for LGBTQ+ causes. Supporters argue that bringing back Pride jerseys would send a strong message of acceptance in a league still working to grow diversity and representation.

They point to players like Scott Laughton and James van Riemsdyk, who publicly supported Pride initiatives, as examples of how impactful these events can be.

On the other side of the debate, some argue that the jerseys created unnecessary distractions. A handful of NHL players chose not to wear them in past seasons for religious or personal reasons, which often became the focus of coverage instead of the community initiatives themselves.

Those critics say the Stars and other teams can still support causes without putting players in difficult positions during warm-ups.

The NHL's decision last year to move away from specialty jerseys reflects that thinking. Instead, teams now focus on events, charity work, and partnerships without requiring themed uniforms.

For the Stars, who have strong community outreach programs in Dallas-Fort Worth, it may be easier to highlight inclusivity through those initiatives rather than through jerseys.

Still, the visual impact of Pride jerseys is hard to ignore. When players wore them, it sent a clear message on the ice, visible to every fan in the building. For advocates, that symbolism matters just as much as the money raised for charity.

The Stars have not announced any plans to revisit the Pride jersey specifically, but the conversation among fans continues. Some want to see them back as a visible show of support, while others believe the team can demonstrate inclusivity in different ways.