He is one of Rögle’s most outstanding players of all time and also has a solid NHL career behind him.
Now Kenny Jönsson, 50, lives a completely different life.
– I don’t know if I have fully found my place, but I am very happy with the way I am living my life right now, he says to Helsingborgs Dagblad.
For his older brother Jorgen52, it was more difficult to establish himself as a starting player away in North America. Jönsson the elder invested more in his career at home, or rather in Färjestad where he spent most of the years during his career. But Kenny Jonsson50, made a name for himself both in the parent club Rögle and in the NHL team New York Islanders.
“Rather watched something other than hockey”
Even after the hockey career, the two brothers chose different paths in life. While Jörgen Jönsson became a highly respected coach in first Färjestad (assistant coach and sports director), then in Örebro and Växjö, Kenny chose to break with the sport he had practiced for over 30 years.
– I am still a Rögle supporter, but no longer have an active role in the sport. I don’t miss it either. I’m almost glad I’m not there, because I don’t have the time, commitment and enthusiasm required to make that trip, he says to Helsingborgs Dagblad.
He then also admits that he was never particularly interested in ice hockey, despite the fact that he loved playing himself.
READ MORE: Kenny Jönsson pocketed 20 million kroner for the most respectful reason: “There were many sleepless nights”
– No, I wasn’t active either. Then it is perhaps natural that it is like this today as well. I’ve always preferred to watch something other than hockey, he says.
Kenny Jönsson does that today
Life doesn’t revolve around ice hockey anymore. Instead, Kenny Jönsson has time, and money, to be able to choose pretty much what he will do himself. He works as a part-time firefighter and is on duty from home every four weeks. In addition, he runs a car wash in Ängelholm together with his father. He says himself that he lives a bit like an early retiree, a quiet life without stress and obligations.
– I don’t know if I have fully found my place, but I am very happy with the way I am living my life right now. Just like everyone else, there are periods when I think about whether I should do something else – and if so, what it would be. For 19 years I had a fantastic life in the hockey world, the question is whether there is anything as fun as that, he says.
Kenny turned 50 on October 6. Then he ate a good dinner with his family. He celebrated properly with his friends earlier this summer.
READ MORE: When Kenny Jönsson showed his big heart – and sacrificed himself completely for his hungover teammate: “I was ashamed…”
So exciting to read about what Kenny Jönsson is doing today, now that 15 years have passed since he ended his hockey career.
You know better about Jörgen, of course, but you don’t hear as much about Kenny. Great to hear that he is enjoying his new life.
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