Sedins pay homage to upbringing that led to greatness, goodness
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 — their father, Tommy, a school viceprincipal and mother, Tora, a nurse — 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 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 Rogers Arena morning-skate address Thursday, the Sedins emphasized those points and did what they ’ve always done.
They passed around the credit because it has 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 won the Art Ross Trophy and Henrik also captured the Hart Trophy. 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,” recalled 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,” stressed 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.
“And we always played against older guys — our brothers’ friends — and it was perfect.”
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 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 to face a barrage of repetitive and tedious questions when the Canucks lose.
And with their charity endeavours — including being ardent supporters of B.C. Children’s Hospital initiatives — they are even better people than players. That’s a learned awareness.
“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 that her caring as a nurse to the less fortunate would have an effect on her two youngest sons.
“When you’re young, you don’t really look at life that way, but you pick it up for sure as you get older,” said the Canucks’ outgoing captain.
At the end of it all, the Sedins were asked if it was going to be difficult to keep their emotions intact Thursday night. And that’s when their stoic natures unravelled a bit.
“I think so,” said Henrik. “Even last game (Tuesday) was tough. I don’t know if I’m going to watch the scoreboard or the Jumbotron. Maybe just look at the ice and talk to my teammates as much as possible.”
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. No regrets.
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.