VÄXJÖ / Stockholm. Players open their wallets.
Now the Växjö Lakers are waiting for a real golden party.
– We’ve had a little over six figures in the team’s coffers before, too, says Joel Pearson.
Joel Pearson is breathing and smiling with another gold medal around his neck, the third star defenseman in the past five years.
– Winning at home and enjoying the cheers of the crowd… It’s indescribable. What a combination, says the 29-year-old.
– The team may not have the identity as the sharpest in the SHL. But it ranks in the top three most defensively in SHL history anyway. And behind us we have the best team builders in Sweden.
Sporting director Henrik Iverson?
– Yes, he’s great at what he does. He makes everyone believe in his roles.
“It could last for a few days.”
The atmosphere is upbeat in the dressing room afterwards as the ‘hoja’ is played at high volumes. The text on the tactics board indicates that players have been generous with their contributions to the team party.
You contributed five thousand?
– Yes, there were probably four or five of us.
Will it be a good team party?
– Yeah, and we probably already have a little over six figures in the team’s coffers. So we can go on for a few days!
Were you in Marbella a few years ago?
– Yes, we’ll see what happens this year. I have no idea.
Could Hawaii be with that money?
– Exactly haha. No, we’ll see. Henke (Evertsson) usually doesn’t shy away from helping out so we can feel good when we win.
“I didn’t swallow it anyway.”
Halfway through the interview, Joel Pearson exclaims, “Jürgen, it’s Claps!”
It turns out that coach Jurgen Johnson has found a gold medal lost to Ludwig Klisson, the 26-year-old’s first in his career.
“When (Eric) Josephson lifted the dent, there was a big group hug and then it disappeared right away,” says Clayson.
What did you feel after that?
– I thought: “Damn, I hope you come back.” But I can’t blame myself for drinking it anyway.”
How did you feel when the coach brought the medal?
– gratitude. He symbolizes a lot. It feels great, I probably have never had a better feeling in my life.
Read more: Växjö Lakers win SM ice hockey gold in 2023 – beat Skellefteå in the final
