PHOTO: Bildbyrån
He is one of our most popular hockey experts.
But now Niklas Wikegård reveals the giant miss in his television debut.
When he was hanged as the very “Vanheden” in front of the Swedish people.
These days, it’s pretty hard to imagine a hot SHL round without watching Niklas Wikegård stand in front of the TV camera and babble on. Whether acting as a sideline reporter or an expert in the studio, he often delivers accurate analysis and is never afraid to step on anyone’s toes.
Wikegård on TV
Today, Wikegård is one of Sweden’s most experienced and high-profile hockey experts, but there was a time when he was not at all as comfortable in a television context. He is so strongly associated with TV4 these days and has been for many years, but it all started at SVT.
The article continues after the picture.
Niklas Wikegård still remembers how his television career got off to the worst possible start when he was cast as the classic character “Vanheden” in the cult films about the Jönsson league. Because when the inexperienced hockey coach was to step in as an expert in the SVT program “Hockeykväll” he had forgotten to bring a suit to the first recording.
“Good Madness”
Then the SVT profile stepped Albert Svanberg in and lent one to Wikegård – but it didn’t fit at all.
– Very short legs – and then we had a seating area (in the studio). My pants ended just below the kneecap, it felt like. Very skinny legs, short socks. I drove on, but when I came out afterwards and saw the phone, there were 100 text messages, says Wikegård in the hockey podcast “Släpp Sargen”.
The article continues after the picture.
A lot of people had contacted him and everyone said the same thing about the debut in SVT.
– “Good high tide, Wikegård”, “Good Vanheden style”, “I have a plan”. It was the first turn I made there. The task roaches for camera guys had only zoomed in on my shins for half an hour, says Wikegård in the podcast.
What do you think of Niklas Wikegård as a TV expert? Share the article and have your say!
READ MORE: Roger Rönnberg reveals the truth about Niklas Wikegård and makes the whole of hockey Sweden laugh: “Apologies”
Sign up for our newsletter
Share