It was forward Nazem Kadri who brought the trophy, which he won with his former club Colorado earlier this year, to his hometown.
— I think it’s fantastic for the Muslim community and it’s really inspiring for us. If he, as a Muslim, can win the Stanley Cup, he inspires more Muslims to achieve their dreams, 15-year-old Zayan Khan, one of the audience, told the AP.
The goal of the event was also to inspire and motivate the young, according to the 31-year-old star.
“This young generation is looking for role models, so I’m doing my best and I’m just happy to be able to share this with everyone,” he says according to AP.
The London Muslim Mosque, as the mosque is called, is important to him.
— It’s part of my roots, it’s part of who I am.
Nazem Kadri was later awarded the key to the city by Mayor Ed Holder, who called Kadri “the quintessential Londoner”.
Kadri accounted for 87 points (28 goals) in the previous season and 15 in the playoffs, including 7 goals. Last year, he signed a seven-year contract with Calgary, a deal worth $49 million.
The Stanley Cup traditionally tours around with players from the winning team during the summer. In July it made a stop in Sweden and was shown off at Hovet in Stockholm by team captain Gabriel Landeskog, and also visited Scania’s Höör with André Burakovsky, who has signed for Seattle next season.