Joel Lundqvist, 40, is keen to point out that it’s the gas on the bottom that applies for the rest of the season.
But this spring, life after hockey awaits — something he announced to his teammates this morning.
– It was very emotional, says Lundqvist.
There are a lot of the same. Frölunda has just had a tough training session, and Joel Lundqvist is focused on the next match.
But it’s still not a day like any other.
Lundqvist sits in the car on the way home doing so with a long and successful playing career drawing to a close. This morning he told his team mates in Fröland that this season would be his last.
– I reported to the team this morning and it was very moving. Some I’ve camped with for a very long time and it’s been more than just hockey. It’s emotional, they’re good friends, he says.
It’s a decision that has grown over the course of the season. But it’s not about not keeping up with the fluctuations anymore. Lundqvist is still just as important as Frölunda and leads the indoor points league.
“I’m proud”
In recent years, he signed a new contract one season at a time, but soon felt that another season was desired. This was not the case this time.
– It was a natural process to see how things feel in the future. It was a short process in previous years, but that wasn’t the case this time, he says and continues:
It’s not about this season, it’s about managing another season after that.
Is it any wonder that Joel Lundqvist isn’t the hockey player of the future?
– Strange … I’m not summarizing anything now. I know what I did the day it was over and I’m proud of what I did. He says that when that day comes, a new life will begin.
“no time to think”
Maintaining a high level when it’s time to quit is still important to him. The focus is also on finishing as smooth as possible, preferably with SM gold.
He does not want to think further.
Now is not the time to think. There is full focus on the future with many great matches. It has been key for me throughout my career to be in the here and now.
So Frölunda didn’t tell you about any role in the club?
No, now is not the time for that. I’ve been clear that the focus is on hockey.
When Joel Lundqvist made his last change this spring, it meant both Lundqvist brothers had their skates shelved. Henrik Lundqvist announced in the summer of 2021 that he is retiring.
What did Henrik say about the decision?
– We talked a lot during the winter and it was a voice in different situations. He is happy for me at the same time I walked in. He knows how passionate I am about this and I want to move on. He says he is happy for me.
Announce on your name day
Lundqvist has impressed a lot during his years in Swedish hockey. Supporters, teammates and opponents. One of them is another big character, Dick Axelson. They were teammates but they also fought a lot when they played against each other.
So the question must be asked, is it a coincidence that the announcement came on Dick’s name day?
– Haha, it was like a stage. Of course, I’ve marked that on the calendar for a long time. It was a good coincidence, Lundqvist says.
