We continue to tell about the most interesting things from the world of Islamic ice hockey. Before that, we have already written about the history of ice hockey in the several ADIHIC countries. Next in line are players who can be called role models not only for ice hockey fans, but also for those who profess Islam.

In countries with hot climate, ice hockey is only developing. Despite the fact that the sport is not as popular there as football, many residents of the Middle East, Africa, Asia love to watch the games of the NHL and KHL. Moreover, representatives of Islam play for the popular ice hockey clubs from these leagues.

It is worth saying that three teams represent Muslim regions in the KHL at once: Ak Bars (Kazan), Barys (Astana) and Salavat Yulaev (Ufa).

There are several famous players in the league who combine ice hockey and Islam without any problems. Today we will tell you about two Two players raised in the Tatarstan ice hockey system – Albert Yarullin and Emil Garipov.

Albert Yarullin, grown by Ak Bars, has achieved major sporting successes in his native club. There, in 2018, he won the Gagarin Cup. In addition to club achievements, he also took bronze medals at the World Youth Championship in 2013.

Yarullin is known in the KHL not only as a hockey player, but also as a devout Muslim. After moving to the Traktor in 2021, a prayer room was specially installed for him in the arena. The ice hockey player came to Islam in 2015 and since then he has been observing the duties of his faith even during matches.

Albert says that hockey does not prevent him from holding Ramadan or performing prayer in any way. According to him, prayer can always be given five minutes in between periods.

Goaltender Emil Garipov was seriously injured in his youth, and doctors advised him to stop doing sports at all. Despite his back injury, he returned to the ice after a while and became one of the best goalkeepers in the KHL.

In 2018, Emil won the Gagarin Cup with Ak Bars. That victory is unique for a hockey player in that throughout the season Garipov was the main goalie of the team. In life, Emil is a modest person. He says that all victories and trials come from Allah.