PHOTO: Bildbyrån
The whole of Scandinavium said goodbye to Joel Lundqvist on Sunday.
Twin brother Henrik Lundqvist also took the opportunity with an emotional tribute on social media.
“I’m proud, brother,” writes Henke on Instagram.
41 years old is now one of the SHL’s most powerful hockey careers ever Joel Lundqvist on Sunday said a tearful farewell to Frölunda and Scandinavium. Frölunda lost the semi-final at home against Växjö Lakers and was thus forced to leave the SM play-offs.
Lundqvist quits
Which meant the end for the “Captain of the Captains” and one of the club’s greatest player icons ever. Not many eyes were dry in Gothenburg when Lundqvist, who was suspended for the day, stepped out onto the ice after the loss and received the crowd’s great applause.
The article continues after the picture.
Joel Lundqvist first thanked the Växjö players and then stood in front of the home crowd while the teammates in Frölunda stood lined up behind and drummed their clubs on the ice. There were a total of 20 seasons in Frölunda and 14 of them as team captain.
READ MORE: Roger Rönnberg’s tears after the heavy loss – heartbreaking words about Joel Lundqvist: “So damn disappointed”
Henke’s tribute
Many wanted to pay tribute to the 41-year-old after leaving his hockey career.
“Frölunda is not Frölunda but Joel Lundqvist. Congratulations on a great career captain of captains!”, writes the New York Rangers player Anton Blidh on Instagram.
“Heavy images from Scandinavium. My captain,” writes the former Frölunda teammate Robin Figren.
“Joel Lundkvist, so much more than what you see on the ice. I wish that all of Sweden’s hockey players had at some point been given the opportunity to be accompanied by this true leader both on and off the ice. It would have resulted in better players and even better people,” writes the former Frölunda player Elias Fälth.
The article continues after the picture.
But the biggest tribute and the most emotional came from the twin brother Henrik Lundqvist. The former Frölunda and New York Rangers goalkeeper was forced to give up his successful hockey career due to heart problems two years ago and knows exactly how this feels.
READ MORE: Erik Karlsson reached the magical dream limit last night – the first player to succeed in over 30(!) years: “Special”
“Henke” took to social media to send some well-chosen words to her brother Joel.
“Congratulations on a great career, bro! I am so proud of all you have accomplished. Welcome to a new chapter in life,” he writes from the other side of the Atlantic.
Will you miss Joel Lundqvist on the ice? Share the article and have your say!
Henke’s words: