New York Rangers Legend Henrik Lundqvist Inducted Into The IIHF Hall of Fame
Photo credit: International Hockey Lineal Championship
During this weekend, Henrik Lundqvist, legendary New York Rangers goalie, was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place in Lundqvist's home country, Sweden. This came only two years after being inducted into the HHOF in 2023.
Henrik Lundqvist has been considered one of the best European-born goalies in the NHL. With a total of 459 wins to his name, he's sixth all-time amongst his peers in Europe.
However, his recognition on Sunday came from his excellent play with Sweden in the IIHF.
«Playing on the international stage was always important to me,» Lundqvist said Sunday, wearing the Tre Kronor yellow jersey during his acceptance speech. «It's hard to describe the feeling of what it's like to put this on. It's pride, excitement, and that feeling never changed for the next 20 years.
«Some of my best moments as an athlete, as a person I would say, have been wearing this jersey - winning world championships, the Olympics, such big moments.»
«Some of my best moments as an athlete, as a person I would say, have been wearing this jersey - winning world championships, the Olympics, such big moments.»
Wearing the Tre Kronor was an honor for him. Adding another stop in another Hall of Fame just adds to the legacy that is the King, Hank.
Growing up, he experienced the sport of hockey when Avicii Arena was called The Globe at age 9, it put things into perspective for him. He wanted to represent Sweden and play hockey in that arena to adoring fans.
«One day I want to play there, wear that blue and yellow jersey,» he recalled. «And the thought of playing for my country was such a big dream, the inspiration growing up that really pushed me in so many ways.»
Lundqvist's legacy began in 2006, when he'd will Sweden to a Gold Medal, in the Turin Olympics.
Despite being only 5'1", he'd only allow 12 goals at the age of 23. He was still green, and a rookie with the New York Rangers.
It was helpful that the roster was loaded with such talent as the Sedin Twins, Daniel Alfredsson, and Henrik Zetterberg.
«Winning in '06, probably one of the best teams I ever played for,» Lundqvist explained. «A lot of my teammates on that team were my idols. And I always find that so special, where you have the opportunity to play with your heroes and you look around the locker room and it doesn't feel real. You grew up watching them on TV and suddenly you have the chance to win something together.»
Lundqvist would prove to be a huge it factor for Sweden down the road, as he'd help the Swedish team win a silver medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and a bronze in the 2016 World Championships.
He's medaled three times, winning one gold and two silver medals in the IIHF World Championships.
His all-time record is 36-14-1, 2.08 GAA, and a .917 save percentage.
Lundqvist joined Zdeno Chara (Slovakia), Frans Nielsen (Denmark), David Vyborny (Czechia), Kim Martin-Hasson (Sweden), Vicky Sunohara (Canada), and Kai Hietaranta ( Finland) in the IIHF Hall of Fame this weekend.
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MAI 26 | 967 ANSWERS New York Rangers Legend Henrik Lundqvist Inducted Into The IIHF Hall of Fame Is goalie Henrik Lundqvist, a retired New York Ranger, deserving of a spot in the IIHF Hall of Fame? | ||
| Yes | 915 | 94.6 % |
| No | 52 | 5.4 % |
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