Hear the tribute to Eriksson Ek in the player above.
Joel Eriksson Ek, everyday in the Minnesota Wild in the NHL, had a dream start when he played his first international game since 2017.
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He accounted for three points, but is also praised for his sacrificial play. Among other things, he had a fight with his teammate in Minnesota, Matt Boldy, after the USA reduced to 3-2.
– There are two people trying to compete out there. We are both competitive. After the match, I hope we are friends again, says Eriksson Ek.
Sam Hallam likes the fact that the team has players who take the fights.
– It is good. We have a couple more that have that ability to just stick with people and piss people off. To be in a heap with someone somewhere. It is good to have them on our team, says the national team captain.