The NHL on Tuesday rescinded its ban that prevented players from using Pride Tape on their sticks during games and practices this season.

The decision comes after backlash from fans and players following the league sending a memo to all of its teams that clarified its rules in regard to theme celebrations this season — and that includes the use of rainbow-colored stick tape for Pride nights.

“After consultation with the NHL Players’ Association and the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition, players will now have the option to voluntarily represent social causes with their stick tape throughout the season,” the NHL said in a statement.

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott became the first player to defy the NHL’s Pride Tape ban during Saturday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks.

“The war’s not over. Definitely not, by any means,” Dermott said, per The Athletic. “You don’t want to fully back off and zip your mouth up when something like this happens, but you’ve got to find the right game plan to attack it with.

“Where you’re supporting your organization and not making them look bad, and you don’t want to step on the league’s toes and really start a fight with them, but still tell them that I think this stuff’s important.”

The news was welcomed by the manufacturer of Pride Tape, which posted this statement on social media:

“We are so very grateful to everyone who believes hockey should be a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all,” the statement reads. “We are extremely happy that NHL players will now have the option to voluntarily represent important social causes with their stick tape throughout season.”

–Field Level Media