Växjö Lakers knocked Frölunda HC out of the playoffs in the SHL on Monday. 41-year-old Joel Lundqvist’s career is thus over. – It was terrible, says a noticeably affected hockey icon, who missed his last game due to suspension. Joel Lundqvist made his debut for Frölunda in the Elitserien in 2000. 23 years – and four SM golds – later he went out on the ice on Monday evening and was met by a standing ovation from the crowd in Scandinavium. – It has been a fantastic journey. I am extremely proud, grateful and happy about what you have been a part of. Grateful to Frölunda, Swedish hockey, SHL, everything. It has been fantastic in every way, says a delighted Lundqvist to Cmore. Gold-lined career The Frölunda captain has a long and successful career to look back on. In addition to the junior gold with Frölunda, he has also won three WC golds and two WC bronzes – and played a spell with the Dallas Stars in the NHL. But the dream of crowning his career with a final gold was unfortunately dashed. It was in game five of the semi-final against Växjö that Lundqvist head-butted Robert Rosén and was suspended for three games. Växjö won 2-1 and Lundqvist thus never had the chance to influence the final result. “You’re a little shocked” – It was terrible. I sat alone in a room and watched TV. You’re almost still a little shocked. It is difficult to grasp all emotions at once. It felt like we were going to take it, but now it didn’t turn out that way, says a disappointed team captain. – I didn’t get the ending I wanted, but that’s rare. When asked what Joel Lundqvist is most proud of, he highlights, among other things, the WC gold in 2017, which he won together with his brother Henrik. – It was emotionally very strong, but it is Frölunda that I have had in my heart since I was little. All the wins have been fantastic.
t4-general
The legend’s tears – after the exodus
