The NHL is further descending into left-wing politics, as evidenced by its recent actions. Despite facing criticism in the past, the league continues to engage in nonsensical behavior. During the annual All-Star showcase held in Toronto, the NHL invited Kiana Lede, an individual with a known anti-Israel stance, to sing the United States National anthem. Prior to the NHL All-Star Game, Lede made a deliberate display of her support for Palestine by wearing a “keffiyeh,” which is widely recognized as a symbol for the pro-Palestine movement.
Lede’s social media activity indicates that her choice of attire was not a mere coincidence. She frequently shares pro-Palestinian messages and refers to supporters of Israel as “Zionists.” This suggests that the NHL should have been well-aware of her views. This leaves two possibilities: either the NHL knowingly invited her despite her anti-Israel sentiments, or the league was completely unaware, which would demonstrate a significant level of incompetence. Neither scenario reflects positively on the NHL, but the latter option of “wild incompetence” appears to be the more favorable outcome for them in this particular situation.
It is worth mentioning that the NHL has not addressed Lede’s attire or political affiliation, according to the Toronto Sun. It is also noteworthy that Gary Bettman, the Commissioner of the NHL, is Jewish. One can only wonder about his thoughts regarding an individual who tells Israeli supporters to “stay their ass home.”
Apart from her political opinions, Lede’s social media posts portray her as anything but classy and sophisticated. However, that is a topic for jest. So, the NHL consciously chose someone with such views to sing the United States National Anthem at one of its most significant events of the year. At least Lede made sure to include her pronouns (she/her) in her bio, which seems to align with the NHL’s preferences.