When the San Jose Sharks suited up to play the New York Islanders the other week, goaltender James Reimer made the decision not to wear a jersey celebrating LGBT pride. 

In a Twitter statement released by the team, Reimer wrote,  

For all 13 years of my NHL career, I have been a Christian—not just in title, but in how I choose to live my life daily. … I have no hate in my heart for anyone, and I have always strived to treat everyone that I encounter with respect and kindness. In this specific instance, I am choosing not to endorse something that is counter to my personal convictions which are based on the Bible, the highest authority in my life.  

So, an NHL player choosing not to wear a jersey has now made national news twice in the same season. One commentator worried that his actions could create “a sort of ripple effect,” encouraging others to do the same.  

I certainly hope so. As the old adage goes, courage is contagious.