Two of Swedish hockey's most successful careers are over for some time now. For Joel Lundqvist, it's only been a little over a year. For Henrik?
Three years ago... Or is it four? It's a bit unclear, haha, says Henrik Lundqvist, who retired in 2021.
They have long lived on different sides of the Atlantic. Joel in Gothenburg, Henrik in New York. That's still the case, but now that their elite careers are over, they have more time to hang out.
We talk a lot more on the phone. It was pretty tough to find time when you were playing. When I had breaks, it was often preparations, matches, or travels for Joel, and vice versa. And then you have the time difference, says Henrik.
The contact has always been there, whenever something happened. But of course, now we have more time to talk about things and see each other more, adds Joel.
And for Henrik, who underwent a complicated heart operation in 2021, it's been extra important to have Joel close by.
Especially in times when you're challenged, whether it's sports-wise or on a personal level. Having that security... It means a lot. You get a lot of strength from it.
"As long as it inspires"
After their careers, both brothers have taken the step over to the "media side" and work, among other things, as TV experts. Something they both enjoy.
But whether it will be a long-term continuation is unclear.
As long as it inspires me and makes me happy, I'll continue with it, and the day I feel like I want to do something else, I'll do that instead, says Henrik and continues:
But to still have that connection to sports... You've gone from being an athlete to being a "fan" of the sport again.
New adventures
Now, new adventures await. Next up is a film where Henrik and Joel travel back to Åre, where they grew up.
We started talking about taking the first "step" in this by going back to Åre, where we haven't been together in over 20 years and have fond memories and a great upbringing. So it felt really good on all levels, says Henrik.
Sibling collaborations usually have their challenges. But the Lundqvist twins do what they can to keep the mood light during filming.
We have a high ceiling, laughs Joel.
Kasper Ljungström/TT
Facts: The Lundqvist Twins
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Joel Lundqvist
Born: March 2, 1982.
Clubs: Järpen, Mölndal, Rögle, Frölunda, Dallas.
Position: Center.
Merits in selection: World Championship gold 2006, 2013, 2017. Swedish Championship gold 2003, 2005, 2016, 2019. Lundqvist is Frölunda's all-time leading scorer with 683 points (268 goals, 415 assists).
Henrik Lundqvist
Born: March 2, 1982.
Clubs: Järpen, Mölndal, Rögle, Frölunda, New York Rangers, Washington.
Position: Goalkeeper.
Main merits: Olympic Games gold 2006. World Championship gold 2017, NHL's best goalkeeper (Vezina Trophy) 2012. Swedish Championship gold 2003 and 2005. Stanley Cup finalist 2012.
