SOCHI, Russia -- Russian President Vladimir Putin sought Friday to reassure gay visitors to the Sochi Games that they are welcome in Russia despite a law banning gay "propaganda" to minors. Custom Colorado Avalanche Jerseys . Responding to a question from an Olympics volunteer during a visit in the Black Sea resort city, Putin vowed that gays face no discrimination in Russia and could feel "at ease." But he emphasized that because of the new Russian law, they cannot express their views on gay rights issues to anyone under age. Putin appeared to lump homosexuality and pedophilia together. "We have no ban on nontraditional sexual relations. We have a ban on propaganda of homosexuality and pedophilia, I want to underline that, on propaganda among minors," he said. Putin and other politicians have defended the June propaganda law as a protection of child rights, but critics believe that the law discriminates against sexual minorities. The law specifically refers only to "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations." "We arent banning anything, we arent rounding up anyone, we have no criminal punishment for such relations unlike many other countries," he said. "One can feel relaxed and at ease, but please leave the children in peace." In the wake of the international outcry against the bill, Russian authorities have put limits on the right to protest during the Sochi games, which run Feb. 7-23. A presidential decree initially banned all rallies in Sochi from Jan. 7 to March 21, but Putin later rescinded the ban to allow demonstrations at venues determined by the Interior Ministry. Colorado Avalanche Shirts . - Aaron Rodgers makes tough throws that can leave fans of the Green Bay Packers speechless. Colorado Avalanche Pro Shop . UEFA said Wednesday that the champions of England and France only have to include five home-trained players in their 21-man squads next season instead of the expected eight. Only one of the five players needs to be trained by the club itself. https://www.cheapavalanche.com/ . Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist stood tall with 41 saves between the pipes, but it was defenceman Ryan McDonagh who got the first star of the game as he had a goal and an assist and now has two goals and four assists for six points in two games.Following James Neals knee on Brad Marchand and Shawn Thorntons slew foot and punches to Brooks Orpik in the first period of the Pittsburgh Penguins-Boston Bruins game on Saturday, TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie weighed in on the two incidents on Twitter. "Im no rocket surgeon but have to think Shawn Thornton will get in-person hearing for knocking down Brooks Orpik and KOing him while down. Id also imagine NHL [Department of] Player Safety will be looking hard at James Neals knee to head of Brad Marchand for possible supplementary discipline." McKenzie also addressed Orpiks initial hit on Loui Eriksson and his refusal to fight Thornton that precipitated the two incidents to follow. "Orpiks hit on Eriksson was hockey play, couldve been minor for interference, but well within context of game action. Orpik shoouldnt necessarily be obliged to answer the bell to Thornton on that hit. Avalanche Jerseys 2021. . It wasnt that egregious." McKenzie believes Thornton will have a tough time explaining his actions. "Thornton will have no defence for taking down Orpik and even less for punching him while he was down and not prepared to defend himself. As for Neal, there could be more room for a benefit of the doubt based on actual intent. "Neal on Marchand may or may not have been sneaky dirty or accidentally on purpose, but thats for NHL Player Safety to determine. McKenzie also gave a final assessment on both. "[My] guess is Thornton and Neal will both get suspended with Thornton somewhere between six games and double digits. Neals number of games may hinge on Marchands status. Marchand did not leave the game. ' ' '