The Stanley Cup is the greatest trophy won in hockey.

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, LONDON — Muslim hockey athlete, Nazem Kadri walked out of the front door of the mosque in London, Canada and lifted Stanley Cup when he celebrated his victory in the competition, on Saturday (27/8/2022). He celebrated hockey’s greatest trophy with his home community.

The 31-year-old won the trophy in June as a member of the Colorado Avalanche and would be the first Muslim athlete to become an NHL champion. Kadri involved the Muslim community in the celebration and said the Muslim community was very important to his development as a hockey player and as a person.

“You have supported me from day one which I will always appreciate,” Kadri told hundreds of people gathered at the mosque in Oxford Street West. Radio-Canada NewsSaturday (27/8/2022).

“These are the streets I grew up on, these are the mosques I used to go to, and everything seems to come full circle. I’m so grateful, so special and honored to be the first Muslim to bring a Stanley Cup to a mosque. It’s something big. It’s something that I will respect and always remember,” he added.

Kadri was born and raised in London. He also played junior hockey for two years with the London Knights before being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2009. He played seven seasons in Toronto before moving to the Avalanche in 2019.

“My friends and family are here, they’ve been cheering me on from the first day I skated, and it’s so inspiring and so motivating. I’m so grateful to be able to share this moment with you. London, Ontario. We are Stanley Cup Champions, he said.

From the mosque, the Stanley Cup moves in a parade downtown. Fans lined the streets, many wearing jerseys from Kadri’s former teams, including the London Knights, Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche. In the garden, it is estimated that more than 1,000 people sat in the sun to watch the celebration. Upon arriving at Victoria Park, Kadri was given the keys to the city by Mayor Ed Holder.