LATEST | Tocchet confirms Kuzmenko will be standing his ground on pride night

The jersey was designed by Christina Hryc a local artist, as announced by the Canucks:

Tocchet was asked to comment on the subject in his morning media availability and revealed that Andrei Kuzmenko had chosen to not wear the jersey and that he respected his decision:

The forward has been taken lots of heat regarding his decision and it surely is a problem that needs to be addressed. The players should not be forced to put aside their beliefs and be forced to support a cause in which they do not believe. Hockey is for everyone to play, watch or enjoy in any manner.

The ongoing belief regarding Kuzmenko's decision goes about the safety of his loved one back home in Russia. Whether he's not wearing it for his beliefs or for safety reasons, good on him for standing up.