[Signing] Should NHL/Calgary hire more Arab/Lebanese players like Kadri?

[mike66]

I’m a casual hockey fan, but seeing guys like Nazem Kadri succeed makes me wonder if NHL teams (especially the Flames) should try scouting more players from Arab and Lebanese backgrounds. I barely see any representation, and I feel like it’d be awesome for diversity and growing the fan base. Do you think it would make a difference? Are there any prospects out there to keep an eye on? Let’s talk about it! How about players from India? Can helmets overlap turbans safely and approved by CSA?

"Regarding turbans and helmets, any head protection in hockey must meet CSA standards. That typically means the helmet has to fit snugly and provide proper coverage. A full turban might make it harder for a helmet to sit correctly, but some players wear smaller coverings (like a patka) under certain sports helmets. Ultimately, it would come down to official safety regulations and possible gear modifications."

[Radio]

Must be a casual speller as well. You must mean "hire". Besides you don't hire players, you draft or sign them. Meaning they have to be players to begin with.

[Reggie Dunlop]

[Paulie Walnuts]

Why does the title say signing lol

[fotze2]

Weird thread.

There’s lots of good Lebanese players coming up in western Canada.

This kid leading the midget AAA league this year (as a first year) is awesome (Halat). His dad was a linemate of Danny Hartley back in the day.

https://www.u18aaa.ca/stats/player-stats

What is nuts is the amount of Asian kid studs soon to make big leagues. Perfect storm. Parents tend to be crazy strict. There’s Korean and Japanese kids being sent over to play hockey at 15 without their parents. My kids have played with a bunch at Edge. It’s crazy.

[FlamesAddiction]

Sending scouts to Lebanon or the Middle East in general would be a waste of resources. Especially when there are so many Canadian guys we know can play in the NHL, like Nazem Kadri for example.

[Poe969]

Nevemind trying to win, the new goal should be to have the most diverse team.

[Monahammer]

This is a weird post. What kind of casual hockey fan makes an account here 16 years ago... Also, what the hell is with the post history trying to hawk a VPN/ networking service several times.

Weird.

[lazypucker]

I think teams "hire" players based on skills, not ethnicity.

If you are good enough, you can be in the Taliban or ISIS and teams (I mean Edmonton) will still sign you.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Originally Posted by fotze2

Weird thread.

There’s lots of good Lebanese players coming up in western Canada.

This kid leading the midget AAA league this year (as a first year) is awesome (Halat). His dad was a linemate of Danny Hartley back in the day.

https://www.u18aaa.ca/stats/player-stats

What is nuts is the amount of Asian kid studs soon to make big leagues. Perfect storm. Parents tend to be crazy strict. There’s Korean and Japanese kids being sent over to play hockey at 15 without their parents. My kids have played with a bunch at Edge. It’s crazy.

What is his dads name ? Edit saw the hometown.

[CroFlames]

Yes, hire more Arab and Lebanese players regardless of skill level so people feel more represented.

Nevermind meritocracy and winning championships

[mdubz]

[Jordan!]

I Donair understand what's happening in this thread

[boogerz]

If the Flames really want to make an impact in this area, they should probably start with more grassroots initiatives than looking for already established "needle in a haystack" prospects with diverse backgrounds.

A great example is Jaden Lindo. He's a Jamaican-Canadian who was drafted by the Pens in 2014 and went the USports route after junior. Even though he didn't go pro for a myriad of reasons (including recurring injuries), the Pens still brought him into the organization after university as a member of their outreach team/Director of Community Hockey Programs.

That's probably a more effective approach, considering that there many diverse former CHLers and pros based in Alberta that can help CSEC with community outreach and development.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Hockey is for everyone.

[metroneck]

Originally Posted by boogerz

If the Flames really want to make an impact in this area, they should probably start with more grassroots initiatives than looking for already established "needle in a haystack" prospects with diverse backgrounds.

A great example is Jaden Lindo. He's a Jamaican-Canadian who was drafted by the Pens in 2014 and went the USports route after junior. Even though he didn't go pro for a myriad of reasons (including recurring injuries), the Pens still brought him into the organization after university as a member of their outreach team/Director of Community Hockey Programs.

That's probably a more effective approach, considering that there many diverse former CHLers and pros based in Alberta that can help CSEC with community outreach and development.

I think you are touching on a better question, that could actually make a difference.

Should the Flames/ NHL/ Hockey Canada etc be putting more resources into programs to support and encourage minorities, non-traditional hockey cultures, and people with lower socio-economic status to play hockey at a higher level.

[Bourque's Twin]

This is a great thread.

[CroFlames]

The Flames have no incentive to do anything at grassroots becuase the NHL drafts players. Why would the Flames spend money to develop talent here in Calgary, just to have Utah or Carolina draft said player?

[foofighter15]

[Reggie Dunlop]

https://calgaryflamesfoundation.com

The Flames do tonnes in the community.