PHOTO: TT News Agency
On the night of Tuesday, Victor Hedman played his 1,000th game in the NHL.
Then he was greatly praised and received an incredible gift.
– I could never have believed that in my younger days, says Hedman to Sportbladet.
It was before the game against Dallas that Victor Hedman was highly praised by his club Tampa Bay Lightning. The Swede has, including yesterday’s meeting, played 1,000 games in the NHL, and all of them in Tampa.
Lidström & Salming
Hedman appeared in Modo and, as a mere 16-year-old, had to make his debut in the Elitserien. The following season, 2008/2009, he was named rookie of the year in the SHL. That same year, Hedman was drafted by Tampa, with whom he has belonged ever since. The Swede has also been assistant captain in the team for the past six seasons.
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When Hedman played his 1,000th game in the NHL on Tuesday night, he became the ninth Swede to play so many games in one and the same club, and the third Swedish defenseman to do the same. Nicklas Lidström and Börje Salming are the icons that came before. Hedman also became the third Lightning player to reach 1,000 games for the club, and the first defender.
Hedman’s tribute
Before the game against Dallas, Hedman was widely praised. Together with his family, he stepped onto the ice to the cheers of the fans. The 32-year-old was praised by profiles on the big screen in the arena, and got to receive the silver club from Tampa’s owner Jeff Vinik. Hedman also received gifts from his teammates and the NHL, and during warmups all Lightning players wore jerseys with Hedman and the number 1000 on the back.
– It was an absolutely fantastic experience. To have the whole family on the ice and hear all the tributes… I can’t really believe that I get to be part of this, I could never have believed that in my younger days. It almost feels a little surreal, says Hedman to Sportbladet.
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After the match, which Tampa won 4-0 in honor of the day, there was a party.
– It’s not always such good matches when you celebrate milestones like this, so it feels really successful. I wasn’t any better today, I think, but the guys fixed it. I am very grateful for that.
– The whole family is here, as well as close friends from Sweden and all teammates. It will be really fun, says Hedman to the evening newspaper.
Congratulations Victor Hedman on 1000 games in the NHL! Share the article and write your tribute to the Swede!
LEAT MORE: Valter Skarsgård now reveals the truth behind the acclaimed TV series about the icon Börje Salming: “I threw up and cried”
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