Nazem Kadri’s response was classic Kadri. “Oh, I didn’t make it? Ah man, that’s a shame… no, I’m just kidding,” he deadpanned at the time asked about Team Canada’s Olympic selection. The grin almost comes through the microphone. But underneath the joke you can feel what it’s like to be about to represent your country and not get there.
Kadri believes Team Canada is extremely talented
He then talked about the team with great admiration. “What a group. What talented players… I’ll be cheering for all these guys.” That’s the great thing about Canadian hockey culture: Making Team Canada isn’t just a personal achievement.
Making Team Canada is a national honor. Kadri didn’t get a spot this time, but he knows it is extremely important to participate in the conversation itself. It’s a tough spot for someone of his caliber. He could have just stayed home, hung out with his family and skipped the international grind. And yet every Canadian player who has even sniffed the opportunity to wear the Maple Leaf knows what it represents.
Kadri is like other great Canadian players who didn’t make the team
There’s something very human about it. Every player no longer on the Team Canada roster carries the same mix of pride and regret. They are proud to be close, but regret missing the moment. Kadri’s humor softens it, but does not erase it.
Kadri knows selection for Team Canada is about more than just skills. There is fitness, timing and some luck. But when a player like Kadri thinks about it, it’s impossible to miss the glory in the process itself, even from the outside looking in.
Such is the life of great (but not great enough) Canadian players
Ultimately, Kadri’s response provides a glimpse into life as a top hockey player. One day you’re chasing gold, the next day you’re cheering on the team from your couch. For players at this level, every near miss is part of being a Canadian hockey player. The opportunity to represent Canada remains a rare and remarkable privilege.
Related: Why Connor Bedard isn’t “good enough” for Team Canada
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