WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Avalanche forward is proud of his Lebanese descent as well as the expanding diversity within the NHL.
In the aftermath of Don Cherry’s dismissal from Sportsnetap “Hockey Night in Canada” for on-air remarks about immigrants, many across the have league expressed outrage. But not Kadri.
Cherry was fired Monday on Remembrance Day, which honors Canada’s veterans, after he said: “You people … you love our way of life, love our milk and honey. At least you could pay a couple of bucks for poppies or something like that. These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada.” Cherry, nicknamed Grapes, spent four decades in the NHL between his time as a player, coach and commentator.
Kadri was asked for his response to Cherry’s rant here Tuesday before the Avalanche faced the Jets.
“(Cherry) has been there for so long, itap going to be hard to see (Hockey Night in Canada) without him, thatap definitely unfortunate,” Kadri said. “I know Grapes and I don’t think it came across like everyone is making it sound. I think with what he said, it was maybe just said incorrectly. People maybe took it out of context a little bit. I know Grapes is a great person and am sad to see him go.”
Kadri’s grandparents raised his father in Kferndenis, Lebanon, and moved the family to Ontario in the late 1960s. Kadri, now in his 11th NHL season, appreciates his roots and how hockey has grown internationally among different cultures.
“The sport brings everyone together with the team values and the work ethic,” Kadri said. “It taught me a lot about those two things. Now, I go watch my little cousins play in their youth development programs and there are a variety of ethnicities on their team. When I was growing up, I was kind of the only one. Itap good to see now.”
Footnotes. Avalanche forward will move from wing to center against the Jets in the injury absence of Pierre-Eduoard Bellemare (concussion protocol). Coach Jared Bednar said the team will be “shifting around a couple of things with our lines.” … Newly recalled AHL-Eagles defenseman Kevin Connauton and forward Logan O’Connor are joining the Avalanche on their five-game road trip, but neither will suit up against the Jets. … Avs goalie will make his third consecutive start in net.
