Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov boycotted Tuesday's pre-game skate over his refusal to wear a Pride-themed warmup jersey. The 26-year-old cited his Russian Orthodox faith for the decision, which has divided hockey fans.

'I respect everybody's choices,' Provorov said after logging 23 minutes in the Flyers' 5-2 win over visiting Anaheim. 'My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That's all I'm going to say.'

He did not answer any follow-up questions about his decision.

The hockey world was quickly split over Provorov's decision and post-game comment. 

Coach John Tortorella defended Provorov, saying the Russian defenseman 'was true to himself and to his religion.'

'It's one thing I respect about Provy, he's always true to himself,' Tortorella said.

Meanwhile, some leading media members attacked Provorov.

'But Provorov obviously does not respect ''everyone,''' tweeted TSN's Pierre LeBrun, referencing the defenseman's statement. 'If he did respect everyone, he would have taken part in warm-up and worn the Pride Night jersey. Don't hide behind religion.'

For its part, the NHL released a statement saying players are free to refrain from participation if they choose. 

'Hockey is for Everyone is the umbrella initiative under which the League encourages Clubs to celebrate the diversity that exists in their respective markets, and to work to achieve more welcoming and inclusive environments for all fans,' read the league statement. '

'Clubs decide whom to celebrate, when and how — with League counsel and support. Players are free to decide which initiatives to support, and we continue to encourage their voices and perspectives on social and cultural issues.' 

SB Nation's NHL editor Steph Driver pointed out that the Wells Fargo Center, home to the Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers, was the first to threaten ejection for fans using homophobic slurs. 

'Ivan Provorov was allowed to play in a game for the Philadelphia Flyers - the organization that was the first to say that you will be removed from the arena if you utter a homophobic slur - after refusing to wear a Pride logo for warm ups,' Driver tweeted. 'What an absolute disgrace.'

But many fans lined up to support Provorov. 

'Love his courage and his right to stand for his belief,' tweeted one supporter. 'I can't wait to the day it cycles around to where this is the popular choice versus today you have to agree with others belief. He said it well, he respects everyone, but believes differently.'

Flyers players James van Riemsdyk and Scott Laughton have been staunch supporters of the community and launched a program in support of local LGBTQ+ youth in the greater Philadelphia area.

Laughton and van Riemsdyk met after the game with about 50 people in the LGBTQ+ community. Laughton said overall the Flyers had a 'great, great night that brings a lot of awareness.'

Laughton said there would be more conversations ahead with Provorov, who moved from Russia to the United States as a teenager. He signed a six-year, $40.5 million contract before the 2019 season and won the Barry Ashbee Trophy as the Flyers´ outstanding defenseman in his rookie season, the youngest Philadelphia player to receive the honor.

'I don't hold anything against anyone,' Laughton said. 'It's nothing like that. It was an awesome night and I'm very happy we got a win on a night like this.'

All-Star forward Kevin Hayes, who had a hat trick in the win over Anaheim, said 'it's not for me to answer' when asked how he felt about Provorov's decision.

The Wells Fargo Center was decorated Tuesday night in rainbow hues representing the LGBTQ+ community through special pride-themed arena LEDs, décor and rainbow-themed team merchandise.

'The Philadelphia Flyers organization is committed to inclusivity and is proud to support the LGBTQ+ community,' the team said in a statement after the game. 'Many of our players are active in their support of local LGBTQ+ organizations, and we were proud to host our annual Pride Night again this year. The Flyers will continue to be strong advocates for inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ community.'

The NHL also champions the You Can Play Project, which aims to ensure equality, respect and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation. The NHL has never had an openly gay active player.

One hockey website, MoneyPuck.com, tweaked its Flyers page, writing Provorov's name in rainbow coloring. 

Furthermore, any readers who click on Provorov's rainbow-colored name are taken to a donation page for the Trevor Project, a nonprofit aimed at combating suicide 'among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth,' according to its website. 

This is hardly the first time Pride celebration has divided professional athletes. 

In June, a number of Tampa Bay Rays players decided not to wear rainbow-colored logos on their uniforms as part of the team's annual 'Pride Night.'

Reliever Jason Adam was among those who opted out, and said it was a 'faith-based decision' for him.

 'It's just what we believe the lifestyle he's [Jesus] encouraged us to live for our good, not to withhold,' Adam told the Tampa Bay Times. 'But we love these men and women, we care about them and we want them to feel safe and welcome here.'

A month earlier, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gueye was mysteriously absent from a game after learning that his team would be wearing jerseys with rainbow-colored lettering. His manager Mauricio Pochettino would later confirm his absence was due to 'personal reasons' and not because of an injury. 

While the French Football Federation and other organizations demand Gueye explain his decision, the native of Senegal was supported by his President, Macky Sall, who said 'religious beliefs must be respected.'

Gueye is a devout Muslim. 

Another soccer player, Jaelene Daniels has refused to wear rainbow jerseys on several occasions, both with the US national team and the NWSL's Carolina Courage. 

And in 2015, after same-sex marriage was legalized in the United States, she tweeted: 'This world is falling farther and farther away from God... All that can be done by believers is to continue to pray.'

There was controversy when she signed for the Courage in soccer's offseason last December and Daniels responded with a statement saying: 'I remain committed to my faith and my desire for people to know that my love for them isn't based on their belief system or sexuality.

'I pray and firmly believe that my teammates know how much I cherish them, respect them and love them.'