Former Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader told the Local Sports Journal’s Tom Kendra that he’s readjusting to post-hockey life some two years after playing in his last professional hockey game:
Justin Abdelkader now spends a large percentage of his time in an “Uber Dad” role, driving and also coaching his two young sons at hockey tournaments around the state.
And when he’s home? This time of year, he’s usually in the backyard of the family’s suburban Detroit home with a hose in his hand, working on the outdoor skating rink.
“Oh absolutely, I have come full circle,” Justin said with a laugh.
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Abdelkader played his last competitive hockey game in Switzerland in March of 2023, and since that time has dealt with the often difficult transition for professional athletes back to normal life by going in “100 percent” to his new job as a father.
Abdelkader and his wife, Julie, are expecting their third child in February (a girl).
His role as dad hasn’t left a whole lot of time for him to reflect on his hockey career but, when he does, he will look back on a journey which featured championships at almost every stop.
