The NHL sent a memo to teams last week clarifying what players can and cannot do as part of theme celebrations this season, including a ban on the use of rainbow-colored stick tape for the Pride nights that have become a hot-button issue in hockey.

The updated guidance reaffirms on-ice player uniforms and gear for games, warmups and official team practices cannot be altered to reflect theme nights, including Pride, Hockey Fights Cancer or military appreciation celebrations. Players can voluntarily participate in themed celebrations off the ice.

Deputy NHL Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday, a few hours before the season opened with a trio of games , that the league sent the updated memo, which was first reported by ESPN.

Former league and team executive Brian Burke, a longtime advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, on Wednesday sharply criticized the decision that he says removes meaningful support to protect a select few who dont want to answer questions about their choices.

This is not inclusion or progress, Burke, now president of the PWHL Players Association, said in a statement posted to social media. Fans look to teams and the league to show they are welcome, and this directive closes a door thats been open for the last decade. Make no mistake, this is a surprising and serious setback.