Markus Näslund is one of our greatest players ever.
But he was perhaps even greater.
It really proves this.
In total, there were 1,117 games in the NHL for Markus Näslund, who accounted for an unparalleled 869 points. His career in North America got off to a slow start, where he struggled to make an impact with the Pittsburgh Penguins. But then came the move to the Vancouver Canucks, and the rest is, as they say, history.
Incredible gesture
Näslund quickly grew into a crowd favorite in the Canucks, and once he got a “C” on his chest, it was obvious, and no one could question it. Näslund has his jersey number 19 retired in Vancouver, and to this day he is one of the organization’s most popular players ever. And it wasn’t just for everything he did on the ice.
Näslund was a fantastic ambassador for the Canucks and he made countless nice gestures off the ice. Näslund regularly visited various children’s hospitals in the area, and he also always stood up for the fans when it came to signing autographs and really taking his time. But above all, there was one thing that stood out. Näslund, who was called Nazzy in Vancouver, bought a box at Vancouver’s home arena with his own money. It was named “Nazzy’s Suite 19” and for six years he gave kids from Vancouver the chance to go to games, and get real VIP treatment, during games.
READ MORE: When Peter Forsberg and Markus Näslund turned the rink into a schoolyard and had a complete playhouse
Helped nearly 4,000 children
In addition to watching the match, the children received food, snacks and drinks. In addition, a special welcome on the jumbotron, a Näslund shirt, souvenirs – and a visit from Näslund in person. All absolutely free.
In total, 3,700(!) children, according to NHL.com, had the chance to attend Vancouver’s games in Näslund’s box. The children were ill in various ways, physically or mentally. In total, Näslund and his family reportedly paid over five million kroner to implement it.
– When I was little, I loved going to watch my favorite team, so giving these kids the chance is a great thing for me and my family. We are in a position where we can give something back, and it was important for us to do that, Näslund said.
When Näslund finished in Vancouver in 2008, the goalie icon Roberto Luongo took over the Swede’s fine initiative, where children from over 100 charities got the chance to go to the game. What a fantastic initiative by an even more fantastic person. Markus Näslund – a true icon!
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