PHOTO: TT News Agency
Erik Karlsson was completely snubbed at the Sports Gala.
Now he responds with harsh criticism.
– It is so typical of Sweden. They don’t like success outside the country, he tells Expressen.
When the Sports Gala revealed all the nominees for the big tribute gala in January, many raised their eyebrows. Not only were the Swedish WC skiing heroes missing Ebba Andersson, Jonna Sundling and Frida Karlsson – without the world’s best hockey back Erik Karlsson.
Karlsson’s super year
“The best Karlsson in the world” exceeded all expectations and stood for an incomparably good season last time. The 33-year-old won the prestigious Norris Trophy as the very best defenseman in the entire NHL and he also broke a new scoring record.
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Karlsson managed to score a whopping 101 points and become the first NHL defenseman in 30 years to break the dream limit of 100 points. And a feat that no other Swedish hockey defender has managed in history.
Clear criticism
He was then awarded the Golden Puck as Sweden’s best hockey player in the past season. But when “Male Athlete of the Year” is to be named at the Sports Gala, his name is not included at all.
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The decision has raised strong opinions within hockey Sweden and the former Tre Kronor goalkeeper Tommy Söderstrom wants to “shut down the gala”. Now Karlsson himself answers with his first words – and they are clear criticism of the Sports Gala.
– Yes, you might think that is a bit strange. But I haven’t been nominated in my fourteen years as a professional in the world’s best league, so I didn’t expect anything anyway, he says bitterly to Expressen.
– It’s so typical of Sweden. They do not like success outside the country.
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Nor Linus Ullmark who was named the NHL’s best goaltender last season and received the prestigious Vezina Trophy, was nominated for the Sports Gala.
– I actually had no idea that the gala would take place in the near future. I have no further comment, he says in a statement to the evening newspaper.
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