Wild's Marc-Andre Fleury wears Native American Heritage mask in warmups despite NHL's threats of discipline

Fleury wanted to honor his wife's indigenous heritage

By Austin Nivison Nov 25, 2023 at 12:05 pm ET• 1 min read

In spite of potential discipline from the NHL, Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury chose to honor his wife and her family during warmups on Native American Heritage Night. Fleury wore a special Native American Heritage mask before the game, putting him in violation of the league's new policy against wearing anything that promotes "special initiatives."

Hours before the game, Michael Russo of The Athletic reported Fleury would not be allowed to wear the mask in warmups. Fleury initially planned to defy the league's orders, but Fleury's agent, Allan Walsh, posted on social media that the NHL threatened "an additional significant fine."

That put Fleury in a tough position, but when the time came for warmups prior to the Wild's home game against the Colorado Avalanche, Fleury took the ice in his custom mask.

Marc-Andre Fleury is wearing his Native American Heritage mask in warmups. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WPSITbHz5U

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 25, 2023

Fleury essentially called the NHL's bluff, and it may have paid off for him. In a follow-up report, Russo said it was unlikely Fleury would be disciplined for choosing to wear his Native American Heritage mask in warmups.