When is American Thanksgiving

Turkey Talk: How Non-U.S. Players Get Their Thanksgiving Fix!

Ever wondered how Nashville's non-American players celebrate Thanksgiving? Spoiler: It's more than just turkey! 🦃✨

Thanksgiving, a holiday steeped in tradition, is primarily celebrated in the United States, but what about hockey players who hail from different corners of the world? Let’s take a peek at how Nashville Predators' own international stars - Jeremy Lauzon, Filip Forsberg, and Juuse Saros - rung in Turkey Day from their unique perspectives. For many, Thanksgiving isn't just a day for a feast; it’s an experience that blends cultural nuances with delicious food and bonding time with teammates.

For Jeremy Lauzon, born and raised in Quebec, Canada, Thanksgiving offers a unique opportunity to embrace the American culture, even if his native Thanksgiving has a different date and vibe. Jeremy shares how he enjoys gathering with teammates, diving into a heap of turkey and mashed potatoes, while also explaining some of the Canadian traditions he brings to the table – think poutine instead of stuffing! He jokes that he may start a new trend, "Why bring just cranberry sauce when you can have a side of gravy fries?"

Filip Forsberg, the Swedish powerhouse, finds his own way to celebrate Thanksgiving that cocoons him in nostalgia. He laughs about how he tries to replicate some classic Swedish dishes as side complements to the Thanksgiving feast. “It’s all about the flavors,” he insists, "A little lingonberry sauce on the turkey goes a long way!" His love for food creates a whimsical setting, often leading to friendly debates about which culture’s side dishes reign supreme.

Finally, there’s Juuse Saros from Finland, who gleefully notes how this holiday is a fantastic excuse to unwind from the season's intensity. He finds joy in volunteering during this time, providing meals to those in need. For Juuse, Thanksgiving isn't just a day for grateful hearts and full stomachs, but it’s also about giving back to the community. His thoughtful approach resonates well with teammates, reminding everyone what the holiday is truly about.

As the guys bond over Thanksgiving meals, they not only strengthen their camaraderie but also help cultivate a deeper appreciation for each other's cultures. Did you know that Thanksgiving Day was only declared a national holiday in the United States in 1863? Or that Canada’s Thanksgiving is celebrated earlier, on the second Monday of October, and features its own vibrant set of traditions like pumpkin pie and family gatherings? Who knew turkey day traditions could be such a stew of cultural flavors?

So, while Nashville's non-American players may have their unique takes on the holiday, the one thing they do share is an undeniable love for great food, camaraderie, and a heartfelt nod to their diverse backgrounds. In the end, whether it's Jeremy serving up poutine, Filip sprinkling lingonberry magic, or Juuse spreading the spirit of giving, these players remind us that Thanksgiving, no matter where it's celebrated, is all about connection, gratitude, and a hearty feast!