After over 700 games in Nashville, Mattias Ekholm changed NHL teams this spring.
On the night of Wednesday, he was back in Tennessee for the first time – and was widely praised by his old fans.
– It was an experience I will never forget, says Ekholm, now in Edmonton.
After two initial losses against Vancouver, things really loosened up for Edmonton away against Nashville. Leon Draisatl and Zach Hyman had a completely festive evening with four points each in the clear 6–1 victory, but the hockey evening was probably at least as special for a Swedish back veteran.
Until March, 33-year-old Mattias Ekholm had spent his entire NHL career in Nashville. But after 719 games and twelve seasons, the move went to Canada and Stanley Cup-chasing Edmonton. When he now returned for the first time to his old hometown, he received a warm welcome.
Tribute video
– The reception from the audience was, of course, fantastic. When you’re in the middle of it, maybe you don’t get that many personal tributes, but I got that tonight. It was an experience I will never forget, says Ekholm to Aftonbladet.
A tribute video played on the jumbotron during a commercial break. Back then it wasn’t entirely easy to keep emotions under control, admits Ekholm.
– It went well in the beginning, when they mostly showed old goals. But then there were pictures of my son William as a one-year-old. Then it got strong.
“Special night for him”
On the ice, he still kept it together, and afterward Edmonton goaltender Jack Cambpell heaped praise on his teammate.
– It’s always difficult to sign for a new club, especially if you really like the city you’re playing in. I know this was a special night for him, I’m sure he felt a lot of nerves because what has been. “So to see him go out there and deliver like he always does, being big and solid on defense while also taking the chance to make offensive outings … tonight everyone on the team went the extra mile for him,” Campbell said.
See the tribute here:
Sports Bible/TT
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