New York Rangers defenseman reveals his heritage background plays a major role in his on-ice performance
Photo credit: NHL.com
New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox speaks out on how his Jewish heritage background plays a major role in his on-ice performance, according to interview with Remy Mastey of The Hockey News
According to reports, there are only 13 openly Jewish hockey players in the NHL today and one of them happens to be New York Rangers star defenseman Adam Fox.
Fox grew up in the New York area, and has enjoyed being involved with Judaism from a very young age, along with taking part in traditions with his family.
«The public school I went to had a decent amount of Jewish kids there,» Fox said. «Long Island has a pretty big Jewish population. Not many on the hockey teams I played on. Anytime there was a holiday, I went to Temple with my family. A lot of fun memories during the holidays.»
Fox credits his father Bruce for instilling Jewish values into at a young age, and openly revealed how Judaism has impacted his life along with how his regime beliefs help make him a better person.
Loving your neighbor as yourself and the importance of giving to those in need are two crucial aspects of Judaism that Fox takes to heart.
«First and foremost it's your belief system, your moral values,» Fox said of what Judaism means to him. «It's a big family value. My dad really tried to instill that in us. A lot of religion comes back to that core and it's really the moral value system. Being good to the person next to you. I think that's the biggest thing for me. I'm in a fortunate opportunity and position to give back. I think that's the biggest thing for me. My family is big on what goes around, comes around. The position I'm trying to give back to people whether that's people in the Jewish community when they are going through stuff. It's easy for me to give my time and resources to help. I think being a good person is the biggest thing.»
The 26-year then continued to explain how being a professional hockey player consumes much of his time, and how its difficult for him to be involved in religious customs, but that the Jewish spark and passion has never left him.
«I light the menorah of Hanukkah,» Fox said about what Jewish customs he still observes. «Whenever I get the chance and I'm able to, I go to Temple with my dad and brother. It's good to have that belief system, almost something a little bigger than yourself. For me, I think it's a big part of my identity and who I am, so embracing that and keeping those values I was taught at a young age,»
Since he is one of the only Jewish players in the NHL, Fox reveals he wants to be a role model to all Jewish kids and he feels honored to represent his community in doing so.
«I think it's something where there are not too many Jewish hockey players, so something for young kids to look up to,» Fox emphasized. «I think representation is always important. For me to be someone they look up to, representing that community, that's definitely a nice honor.»
Fox is a two-time All-Star, Norris Trophy winner and has been deemed as an elite defenseman in the National Hockey League. Within just 52 games this season with the Rangers fox has managed to tally 3 goals and 38 assists with a plus/minus rating of +3 while averaging 23:26 of ice time.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
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