SEDINS SALUTE THE HOME TEAM
Twins’ upbringing helped them carve out hall of fame careers, writes Ben Kuzma.
Even in the end, Henrik and Daniel Sedin leave us wanting more.
This is what happens when you cross paths with greatness and goodness. The Sedins are not only humble products of their small-city Swedish environment, they’ve always come across as amiable 37-year-old professors.
They teach us something about the game of life through their demeanour and diligence.
The Sedins laud influential older brothers Stefan and Peter for being as instrumental as their parents Tommy and Tora to keep them on a path where homework came before hockey, sports were fun and treating people with respect was of paramount importance.
“It was a team effort,” Daniel said Thursday morning. “We’re a close family and it was a good environment for us.”
In their final morning-skate address at Rogers Arena on Thursday, the Sedins emphasized those points and did what they’ve always done.
They passed around the credit because it’s never been about them. They acknowledged family, friends and teammates for guidance in legendary NHL careers that spanned 18 years. They hit the 1,000-point and 1,000-game plateaus. They both won the Art Ross Trophy and Henrik also captured the Hart.
They also captured the admiration of those who questioned their ability to excel and those who always stood by their side.
It’s why there’s a lasting message about their upbringing.
Their brothers are four and six years older respectively and could have ignored them. Instead, they ensured Henrik and Daniel were included in sporting endeavours. The inclusion, the fun factor and matching wits with older players made them better. It wasn’t by design, it occurred naturally.
“Being able to play street hockey and soccer with them and their friends — they pushed us even though they didn’t know they were pushing us,” said Henrik. “We had to be good to play with them. And that has been since we were six and seven years old.”
In today’s obsession with kids playing spring and summer hockey on top of winter schedules, there’s something to be said for the manner in which the Sedins evolved. They’re always happy. They’re always optimistic. They never look like the rink is the last place they want to be.
“That’s the thing,” said Daniel. “Hockey was structured, but we played a lot of outdoor hockey after school and a lot of soccer in the summer. That was the most fun. A lot of it was just go out and have fun. That’s when you get better.”
Daniel was always sold on playing a variety of sports. He knows today’s kids can either be forced into or choose competitive environments because they want to keep pace with their peers. It can turn kids off of a game they loved.
“We didn’t play for a team or anything, we would go play tennis or anything and that’s where you get to think it will help you in other sports, too,” he said.
Henrik was asked if a principal and nurse as parents helped shape him and his brother to understand expectations and the world beyond their home.
After all, they’re never late for work. They always do their homework before facing a barrage of tedious questions when the Canucks lose.
And with their charity endeavours, they are even better people than players.
“Homework when we got home from school was No. 1,” said Henrik. “Dad was coaching our older brothers and usually only mom was at home.”
And when she worked, it’s only natural her caring as a nurse to the less fortunate would have an effect on his two youngest sons.
At the end of it all, the Sedins were asked if it was going to be hard to keep their emotions intact Thursday night in their final home game with the Canucks. And that’s when their stoic natures unravelled a bit.
Added Daniel: “It’s going to be emotional for sure. Regardless of how we react, deep inside it’s going to be great.”
It’s special because the Sedins have the closure they wanted. They’re leaving the game with the ability to still play. They’re healthy and content.
And those in their inner circle who knew about the retirement before Monday’s announcement know what we all know. The Sedins will have their numbers retired next season and the Hockey Hall of Fame awaits.