The NHL maintains a largely apolitical stance, with commissioner Gary Bettman going so far as to say, “I don’t think people come to games for (social or political protests).”
But the league waded into political waters last week when it announced musician Kid Rock would headline a concert at the All-Star Game.
The decision drew widespread backlash on social media, forcing the NHL to defend its choice of entertainment for the Jan. 28 showcase in Tampa, Florida.
“Most of the time, our acts are passionate hockey fans,” Steve Mayer, NHL executive vice president and executive producer for programming and creative development, told ESPN.