- Everything feels very new but also very inspiring. I already enjoy both the guys and the organization, says the Swedish goalkeeper star to Sportbladet.
It has been known for several months that Henrik Lundqvist will leave New York - the kingdom since the autumn of 2005 - after fifteen years - and next season will instead play with Washington Capitals.
But for many, it was only when pictures of the Manhattan icon on the ice with the new teammates, in Caps uniform in the gym Iceplex in Arlington, a few weeks ago appeared on social media that the realization sank in for real.
That's really true, as well. "King Henrik" is no longer a Ranger. He's a Caps player.
To some extent, it was the same for the 38-year-old star himself, it sounds like when we reach him during a short break between workouts
.
- It has been very new, it feels a little special. But it is also very inspiring. I already enjoy both the players and the organization. And hockey-wise it has gone well, both physically and mentally. I feel refreshed, he says.
- If I learned to find?
Haha, yes. I think it's easier, and above all, faster, in DC than in New York. And the training facility, which I really like, is not that difficult to find.
Henke is currently back in New York, where his daughters still go to school and where the family will continue to have their base, but he will soon return to the American capital for new informal sessions with parts of the new team.
- We are only around ten who are training together right now. Many are still scattered around the world waiting to be told what is happening and when we will start playing again.
Ovechkin, has he appeared?
- No, he's not in place. So far, only those who live in Washington all year round, or have children in schools in the city, participate in the training.
But you have compatriots Hagelin and "Bäckis" to keep up with anyway?
- Yes, most recently we stayed, the whole family, at Hagelin's home. Very Nice. We played together in New York for several years and he is the same, "Hagge". He's still flying on the ice, he has that speed. But as I said, I also know "Bäckis" well. It's fun to train and hang out with him. Overall, I like the guys I have met so far, it feels like a really nice group of players.
Due to the covid pandemic, the training - even the unofficial ones that take place in Capital's Iceplex - takes place in very special circumstances.
- It's kind of like during the playoffs this summer. We are practically in a bubble. Only we players and those who work in the hall can be on site and we are tested every other day, says Henke. Another peculiar fact:
Neither Lundqvist nor anyone else knows when the season they are preparing for will start.
- No, we are still waiting for information about what will happen. Just wait.
It does not sound completely ideal, you have the image that you have always planned your training to be in the right phase in different parts of the season?
- Well, I do not know. It is clear that it would be best if there was a clear date to aim for, but now it is like this. It is the same for everyone, not just in the sports world. This has become the year when you have to wait and see. So for now, it feels like it's just driving as hard as it can.
Yes, all future rulers of Washington DC will have to endure the onslaught of winter. New President Joe Biden will not be installed until the end of January - nor will King Henrik be allowed to settle into his new throne until, at the earliest, in that crank.
But then both quickly learn to show where the so-called cabinet should stand.
https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/hockey/a/JJnE2X/jag-trivs-redan-med-bade-killarna-och-organisationen
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