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PHOTO CREDIT: PER NORBERG FOR MORGAN MADISON His nickname comes with a number of accolades, including outstanding performances during his 15 seasons with the New York Rangers, six game-seven wins, .921 save percentage, Olympic Gold Medalist, Vezina Trophy winner, and most recently, capping off his distinguished career with an induction into the 2023 Hockey Hall of Fame. "As an athlete, I didn't think about being a Hall of Famer, I thought about playing the game. Of course it's a great feeling when people appreciate what you've done." Picking up hockey at 8 years old, the Åre, Sweden native got to compete alongside his twin brother Joel Lundqvist, both building successful careers in their home country before heading to the states to play in the NHL. Since he was a child, Lundqvist dreamed of playing hockey for Frölunda Hockey Club, his favorite team growing up in Sweden, and to one day turn pro and play for Sweden's national team. "I was convinced that one way or another it was going to happen, I just didn't know how." At 23, Lundqvist's journey as a New York Ranger began. He le Sweden aer winning two championships there and was ready for the next step of his career. "I had a very open mind since I had only visited New York City a few times. I missed my friends, but I was so focused on my career so I was very excited and living my dream that I worked so long and hard for," he shares. Not only did he sign on to a legendary team, one of the original six in the sport, but merely one year aer his career began with the Rangers, Lundqvist won an Olympic Gold medal representing Sweden in the Olympics. For Lundqvist, there was a lot of pride that came with playing for Sweden that didn't quite compare to playing for the Rangers. e Rangers was his job, one that he loved but hadn't initially dreamed of. "Playing for Sweden is different, one of my favorite feelings is when you win and see VUENJ.COM 63

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