Nazem Kadri has, over the years, done plenty of interviews about big goals.
He has, through his NHL career, scored almost 300 of ’em. Since he signed with the Flames in 2022, nobody has more markers on behalf of the Calgary-based crew.
In this case, however, the 34-year-old centre is thrilled to be credited with a helper. Kadri is among the ambassadors for the Kruger Big Assist, which aims to make the game of hockey more affordable, accessible and inclusive for all Canadians.
Through the program, five regional minor hockey associations — including one on the prairies — will each receive $25,000 to help remove barriers that could prevent kids from hitting the ice. One grand prize winner, as determined by an online vote, will receive an additional $75,000. Nominations are now open.
Postmedia’s Wes Gilbertson connected with Kadri to chat about his interest and role in growing the game, plus his playoff quest with the Flames …
Q: Let’s start with the Kruger Big Assist … You’re on a star-studded roster of program ambassadors, along with Macklin Celebrini, Marie-Philip Poulin, Natalie Spooner and Hayley Wickenheiser. What made this an initiative that you wanted to be a part of?
KADRI: “I’ve always found that concept interesting and I think it’s aligned with what I’ve tried to do myself in the past. We all know that hockey is an expensive sport to step into, and I think Kruger Big Assist has done a great job of just making it more accessible and inclusive and just giving kids that first opportunity to get into the game of hockey. And hopefully, we can tap into some talent along the way.”
Q: When you think back, what was your introduction to the sport or what’s your earliest memory of hockey?
KADRI: “You’d have to go way back. It all started with a pair of skates, just skating outside — at friends’s houses or on the pond. That’s kind of how I originally fell in love with the game, was that outdoor atmosphere. And then obviously watching all the high-end world junior games on TV, I feel like that also drew me in.”
Q: Looking back, who deserves credit for your big assist?
KADRI: “My parents have always been my go-tos. I mean, I’ve had a lot of assists along the way, including some fantastic coaches who helped shape my character, which is great. But mom and pops, they were the ones in the trenches, getting me dressed and taking me to the rink and facilitating the tournaments and paying for it all, too, when times were tough. Those were big helpers for me, and I’m not sure I’d be here without that.”
Q: Was yours a hockey family before you started in the sport, or were you all introduced to the game together?
KADRI: “Kind of together. I mean, I have really zero hockey background, which is very unique. Along the way, most guys have a brother or uncle or a dad who played. But for me, I was kind of the first one in my family to strap on the skates and really try to make an impact on the ice.”
Q: I know that when you play 82 games a season, and year after year, you don’t have a ton of time to reflect. But are you ever able to take stock of the impact you’ve had as a trailblazer and role model?
KADRI: “You’re right, you’re right, you don’t have a lot of time to kind of sit back and think back of some of those things that I’m probably most proud of, over even my achievements and accolades I’ve been able to do on the ice. I’d say over the last handful of years, if I were to get into some sort of charitable effort or do something off the ice that means a lot to me, I feel like I’ve done a better job of understanding the significance of that for the people on the other side. So I’ve really tried to be a lot more conscious about that and aware of that. A lot of times, you’re doing it because it’s the right thing to do, but you don’t necessarily sit back and reflect and say, ‘Wow, I’m really glad I did that.’ ”
Q: In those scenarios, what do you have to be mindful of? For example, you might be in a room of kids who idolize you, so what’s important for you to ensure that they have a positive experience?
KADRI: “I think it’s just saying the right things. First and foremost, you want to be able to give the right advice. And not just generic advice — things that are meaningful and will actually sincerely help them. So, for me, I’ve always wanted to choose my words wisely. A lot of times, you’re not in that setting for a long period of time, so you have to be efficient with what you say. That’s something I pay attention to.”
Q: After your Stanley Cup win with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, you were the first player to ever take the trophy to a mosque … When you talk about some of those most meaningful off-ice moments from throughout your career, that must rank right up there?
KADRI: “Oh yeah, it does. That was a monumental day. Just being able to even have that opportunity to do that, it’s always something I’ve wanted to do, just for the simple fact of continuing to give back and grow the game and have my people, so to speak, understand that this is a possibility and playing hockey isn’t just for a certain demographic. It can be for anyone who has the passion and the talent for it. So that was something I’m certainly proud of. It’s a day I’ll never forget.”
Q: With that in mind, if you fast-forward a bunch of years and walk into a minor hockey arena, do you imagine that hockey might look a little bit different in the future than it does today?
KADRI: “Yeah, and I’m already seeing it. When I go to my nephew’s youth games or friends of mine, to their kids’ games, you look at these dressing rooms and it’s starting to become very multicultural. I’d like to think I had a little something to do with that, and many others have as well. It’s a big-time change, if you compare it to when I was growing up. So it’s really good to see.”
Q: Let’s wrap with a quick look at this season … When you won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche, that team was supposed to be a top contender. The external expectations for the 2024-25 Flames were much different. This quest to prove people wrong rather than proving people right, how much enjoyment do you get from that?
KADRI: “A lot. As players, I think you see more of a bigger picture than maybe the media does sometimes. I think for us, it’s a lot of guys playing with a chip on their shoulder. We have a great leadership, with some championship pedigree, and also some youth that’s pushing to establish themselves and have done a great job at trying to solidify themselves as being NHL regulars. All that combined, it could be a perfect storm. We like where we’re at, but we’re not complacent and we’re looking to be even better.”