The Vancouver Canucks will wear themed warm-up jerseys when they host the Calgary Flames for their annual Pride celebration game Friday.

The team announced Wednesday that the jerseys will be designed by a local artist, and that a $20,000 donation will be made to QMUNITY, which is a Vancouver non-profit that supports LGBTQ people and their allies.

Vancouver Canucks to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at Pride Night, this Friday against the Calgary Flames.<br><br>DETAILS | <a href="https://t.co/ao9UNFZRNS">https://t.co/ao9UNFZRNS</a> <a href="https://t.co/PqZo5CcYFV">pic.twitter.com/PqZo5CcYFV</a>

The move comes as controversy over Pride uniforms continues to bubble around the league.

A handful of players — including Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Ivan Provorov, San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer, Eric and Marc Staal of the Florida Panthers, and Buffalo Sabres blue liner Ilya Lyubushkin — have declined to wear Pride-themed jerseys.

Canucks&nbsp;defenceman&nbsp;Quinn Hughes says there wasn't debate in the locker room about wearing them.

"I think everyone in this room is looking forward to it," he said. "And I know in our organization, everyone's welcome.

"Every time we've done Pride night, I've worn the jersey and celebrated the night."

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A group of three Buffalo players gather around one another, wearing Pride-themed jerseys.

Buffalo Sabres players wear special warmup jerseys commemorating Pride Night before playing the Montreal Canadiens on Monday. Sabres defenceman Ilya Lyubushkin was one of a handful of players around the league who opted out from wearing a Pride jersey, citing concerns of retribution in his home country of Russia.

Canadiens Sabres Hockey

Sabres' Lyubushkin skips Pride night warmup, fearful of retribution in Russian homeland

Ilya Lyubushkin cited an anti-gay Kremlin law and fears of retribution at home in Russia for electing not to participate in the Buffalo Sabres' pregame warmup on the team's Pride night, when players wore jerseys with the team's rainbow-coloured logo on the front in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

During stop in play, NHL player holds stick at his waist with a hand at each end.

Sabres players are set to wear rainbow-coloured jerseys and use Pride tape on their sticks during Monday's warmup, but defenceman Ilya Lyubushkin will sit out, citing an anti-gay Kremlin law and fears of facing retribution at home in Russia.

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Canucks president of business operations Michael Doyle said in a statement that celebrating the LGBTQ community is important to the entire organization.

"Pride night and all the incredible activities that highlight this evening, is special for a number of reasons," he said.

"Besides raising awareness and understanding, it also lets our fan base know that everyone is welcome here at Rogers Arena. Our club believes strongly in diversity and inclusion, and we look forward to celebrating these core values with our community."

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Canadian NHL players Mark and Eric Staal are the latest to join a handful of others who are refusing to wear Pride-themed warm-up jerseys in support of the LGBTQ community. It’s ignited a debate over inclusivity and personal freedom in pro-hockey.

Canucks defenceman Quinn Hughes (43) wears a Pride jersey prior to a game against the Capitals in March 2022 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.

Canucks to wear themed warm-up jerseys for annual Pride night

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