Nazem Kadri makes a strong statement about the London tragedy

�'There is evidence that this was a planned, premeditated act, motivated by hate. It is believed that these victims were targeted because they were Muslim,» said Detective Superintendent Paul Waight of the London Police. «There is no known previous connection between the suspect and the victims.»

Salman Afzaal, his wife Madiha, their daughter Yumna, and Salman's mother are named in a statement provided to the media by a family representative. Fayez Afzaal, a 9-year-old boy, escaped the attack. According to the statement, he is "on the road to recovery from significant injuries."

On Tuesday, just hours after an independent arbitrator upheld Nazem Kadri's eight-game sentence, the Colorado Avalanche forward issued an emotional statement about what happened in his hometown of London.

We have no choice but to agree with Kadri. While he can be a thorn in the side on the ice, he is also a human creature with a nice heart and the correct priorities. He made the comments just hours after an independent arbitrator upheld his eight-game punishment. For a blow to the head of Blues defenseman Justin Faulk in Game 2 of the first-round series between Colorado and St. Louis, he earned an eight-game suspension. Due to an upper-body injury, Faulk was forced to depart the game and would miss the rest of the series. The Avalanche advanced to Round 2 after defeating the Blues in four games.

Salman Afzaal, his wife Madiha, their daughter Yumna, and Salman's family and friends are in our thoughts.

Credit: HockeyFeed