Former NHL executive Brian Burke has sharply criticized the league's decision to ban players from using rainbow-colored stick tape in support of the LGBTQ+ community this season.

Burke, who spent six years as the NHL's executive vice president and director of hockey operations, said Wednesday in a statement posted to social media that the leaguewide ban on rainbow tape removes meaningful support to protect a select few who don't want to answer questions about their choices.

"This is not inclusion or progress," Burke, now president of the PWHL players' association, said. "Fans look to teams and the league to show they are welcome, and this directive closes a door that's been open for the last decade. Make no mistake, this is a surprising and serious setback."