Former Maple Leafs Forward Suffers Injury Following Pride Jersey Controversy
A former Toronto Maple Leafs player has found himself at the center of controversy and injury after a contentious decision regarding Pride-themed jerseys. David Booth, who played for the Leafs during the 2014-15 season, suffered a significant non-contact injury while playing for the Fife Flyers in England's Elite Ice Hockey League this past weekend.
Injury Occurs Minutes Into Game After Skipped Warmup
The 41-year-old forward reportedly chose not to participate in pre-game warmups, only to suffer what appeared to be a serious lower-body injury just minutes into the contest against the Guilford Flames. According to eyewitness accounts, Booth went to take a snapshot off a faceoff when his left leg appeared to give way, causing him to fall to the ice in obvious discomfort.
Officials immediately stopped play after the puck was cleared, and Booth required assistance from teammates to leave the ice. The timing of the injury has raised questions about whether skipping the warmup contributed to the physical setback.
Pride Jersey Dispute Precedes Injury
The injury followed a heated disagreement between Booth and team management regarding the team's planned participation in a Pride-themed charity event. Originally, the Fife Flyers intended to wear Pride jerseys throughout the game, but at Booth's urging, the team changed its plan to wearing the special jerseys only during pre-game warmups.
This compromise angered the charity organization in attendance, leading to a walkout in protest. The team's decision to accommodate Booth's preferences without informing the charity beforehand created significant community backlash.
Team Issues Public Apology
In response to the growing controversy, the Fife Flyers issued a formal statement on Sunday addressing what they called the "disappointment" caused by the Pride night situation. The team acknowledged the hurt felt by many in their community and offered a sincere apology for the impact of their decisions.
"We want to acknowledge the hurt and disappointment many in our community felt due to our decisions on Pride Night," the team wrote in an Instagram post. "We are truly sorry for the impact this had and understand why it has caused upset amongst the community."
The statement continued, emphasizing the organization's commitment to inclusion: "The Fife Flyers are committed to inclusion and aim to be a welcoming club for the LGBTQ+ community and for everyone who supports our team. We will reflect on this, continue listening, and work to ensure our values are better reflected in how we move forward."
Booth's Hockey Career and Recent Journey
David Booth's professional hockey journey has taken him across multiple continents since his NHL career began. After being drafted by the Florida Panthers in 2004, Booth spent six seasons in Florida before being traded to the Vancouver Canucks. His tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2014-15 season saw him appear in 59 games, recording seven goals and six assists with a minus-8 rating and 25 penalty minutes.
Following his time in Toronto, Booth played one season with Vladivostok in the KHL before joining the Detroit Red Wings for 28 games during the 2017-18 campaign. His current stint with the Fife Flyers in England's top professional league represents the latest chapter in an international hockey career that recently earned feature coverage on the NHL's official website.
In that feature, Booth expressed gratitude for his continued ability to play professional hockey: "I really believe I am extremely blessed to still be playing. I know a lot of ex-NHLers might be confused as to why I'd still be doing this, but we have come to love this experience after thinking hockey was done in 2018."
The incident has sparked broader conversations about athlete participation in social causes, team management of community events, and the physical consequences of skipping essential pre-game routines in professional sports.
