Calgary Flames star Nazem Kadri is looking back at his life in his first book, titled Dreamer, My Life on the Edge. The memoir begins with the story of his grandfather, who immigrated to Canada from Lebanon in the 1960s. Kadri, who grew up in London, Ontario, developed a love for hockey from a young age, often attending games with his father to cheer on the London Knights. Despite encountering racism as a Muslim hockey player in a predominantly white environment, Kadri persevered and excelled on the ice. Throughout his professional career, Kadri continued to face racially motivated hate and death threats, leading him to take a stand against racism in the sport.
In a special moment following the Stanley Cup win, Kadri brought the trophy back to his hometown to celebrate the city’s Muslim community at a local mosque. Among the individuals he met was a young boy who had also experienced racism and hate. This event took on a deeper meaning following the tragic targeted killing of a London family, who were struck while waiting at an intersection because they were Muslim. Kadri saw himself in the surviving young boy and continued to advocate for combating racism in underserved communities through the Hockey Diversity Alliance, which he co-founded with seven other NHL players.
The Hockey Diversity Alliance aims to address racism in the sport and provide opportunities for underrepresented communities to play hockey. Kadri believes that this initiative will be part of his legacy, not only for the next generation of Muslim players but also for his own daughter. While Kadri jokes that his five-year-old daughter may prefer tennis over hockey, he plans to introduce her to the sport as well. Despite the challenges he has faced, Kadri remains committed to standing up against racism and discrimination in hockey and society at large.
Through his experiences, Kadri has learned to navigate and challenge racist attitudes and behaviors, drawing on the support of his family and community. He hopes to inspire others to do the same and create a more inclusive and diverse environment within the sport of hockey. Kadri’s memoir reflects on his journey as a professional hockey player and his continued efforts to combat racism and promote equality both on and off the ice. Inspired by his grandfather’s immigrant story and driven by his own experiences, Kadri’s book serves as a testament to the power of resilience, perseverance, and advocacy in the face of adversity.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Kadri remains focused on creating positive change within the hockey community and beyond. His dedication to combating racism and promoting diversity serves as a testament to his commitment to making the sport more inclusive for individuals from all backgrounds. Through his personal experiences and advocacy work with the Hockey Diversity Alliance, Kadri hopes to leave a lasting impact on the next generation of athletes and inspire others to stand up against discrimination and hate. Dreamer, My Life on the Edge, sheds light on Kadri’s journey as a hockey player and activist, showcasing the power of resilience, courage, and determination in the face of adversity.
