An Interview With Nazem Kadri

How are you doing in Colorado – of course, its been a while, but in terms of moving to a new city and playing for a different hockey team?

Colorado is a beautiful state and Denver an amazing city. It did take a little time to get use to it and know where your going. And it was a different and positive experience playing on a new team. But once we adjusted to everything it became much easier and I have to say we’re blessed to be here.

And being married I’m sure makes things much easier – not as home sick and such?

Being married is great. My wife is truly amazing and makes my life much easier, especially her home-cooked meals ...lol

Overall, what area of your life do you feel you’ve improved most in?

I feel my personal life overall has improved the most. It dictates that you be much more responsible and much more mature. Again, it’s all a blessing, alhumdulillah.

What area of the sport do you feel you’ve improved most in?

Just my maturity. I think as a young kid, years ago, I maybe overlooked a few things and took some things for granted. I am more prepared these days for everything and obviously that has something to do with my experience. I kind of know what to expect. I am more mature and able to handle certain situations which I wasn’t able to when I was younger, which is great. It’s all about trial and error and learning and improving and never giving up at all.

What advice would you give a young Muslim boy or girl who is interested in become professional hockey players – or any professional athlete.

I'd say just pursue, follow your dreams. If you're serious, you're serious. Whether you're Muslim or not, I don't think there are any restrictions. Sports is very diverse

nowadays and anybody is accepted, so it's obviously

good to see and if you're committed and dedicated, then

why not? You just got to push and go for what you want.

How are you coping with the Coronavirus situation? How has your life and general routine changed?

I think coronavirus believe it or not has been a blessing

in disguise. It’s allowed my wife and I to spend a lot more

time together with our beautiful daughter. Sometimes

you need to reset and rethink life, Alhumdulillah.

Congratulations on the baby girl, mashaAllah. Can you point to any benefits of self-isolation?

Thank you very much. There definitely is a benefit to

self isolation. I think people, in general, will appreciate

the smaller things in life. It’s also taught me patience for

sure, as I’m sure it has, many other people.

How do you think Muslims, especially youth, can take advantage of this time, besides being on screens and video games?

I mean it is doable, ofcourse, but I can’t deny that it can

be tough. It is tough, especially since they are limited

from going outside and having physical interaction with

their friends. They have to be creative and stay physical

and more importantly stay positive. That’s what will

get us all through this pandemic situation. I think as

much as possible we all have to stay active, especially in

terms of physical activity, whether it's shooting hoops

or rollerblading around your neighbourhood, now that

things have been relaxed a little bit. Obviously this should

be done by yourself and following all the guidelines of

physical distancing. And, obviously try to practise your

faith with the holy month here right now. I think it's

important to try to be the best version of yourself as

How do you spend your off-season?

One word: Golf ...lol…and I do a lot of training, still, and some travel whenever I can find some time in my schedule. Ofcourse, the situation we are all experiencing right now restricts that quite a bit.

What hobbies do you have when you’re not playing or practicing?

I do some gaming. I also watch some Sports Centre. It all helps me unwind. It’s good to chill before I go to bed.

What’s your favourite Tv show and favourite movie?

I think my favourite movie is probably ‘Goodfellas’, and similar movies. I love those and get right into them. Not for the violence necessarily but they seem to have good character development and good storylines. On Tv shows, I'm watching ‘The Last Dance, the Michael Jordan documentary right now and I think it is maybe the best one I've ever seen, so that's definitely up there.

You’re involved in charity work. Could you tell us briefly about the Nazem Kadri Foundation?

Wow Alhamidullah it seems like Ramadan flew by Ramadan Mubarak to everyone it’s been wonderful Alhamidulla. You know, fasting is very beneficial. Besides the cleansing of the body, it does a great job cleansing the soul. Its very refreshing. It’s a discipline and an opportunity to become closer with our creator, Allah, swt. There is nothing better than that, alhumdulillah.

Now that we are nearing Eid ul-Fitr, how has Ramadan been for you?

Yeah, we started the Nazem Kadri Foundation about 7 or 8 years ago. We are just trying to help the local community. It's based in my hometown London, Ontario. Each year we just try to raise money and choose different beneficiaries to accept our donation. Luckily, with myself and my committee, which has been huge in putting everything together and piecing everything together, it's been pretty successful and people seem to love it. Godwilling, we're definitely going to continue with it.

Why is it important to help and give charity?

I think it's very important because you've been given this plateau and opportunity as an athlete to do great stuff off of the ice. You know hockey in my community, in London, has given me so much, that I feel it an obligation for me to reciprocate and give back. That’s what it’s really about. I love helping and I love the people back home.

I am blessed to be celebrating Eid with my immediate family. And I will definitely be face timing and doing the ‘Zoom’ thing with my family back home in London; my parents, siblings, aunts, uncles and all my cousins. I just heard about the virtual Eid, which I will definitely be tuning into, inshaAllah.

And how about Eid this Year?

Final thoughts…

I just want to let everyone know I appreciate all your support and please keep the continued dua. I want to thank all those front line workers who have been amazing in this crisis that we’re all enduring. Allah, swt, has a plan and He is the best of planners. I truly believe that. Everyone stay safe and Eid Mubarak to all. Thank you.