New York. Gustav Rydal had never visited the US when he landed in New York a few weeks ago – but he already knows something that most travelers to America don’t:
How do you feel when playing hockey at Madison Square Garden?
“It was a bit tense at first, but I think it’s gotten better and better with time,” the 28-year-old from Värmland told Sportbladet after debuting at the NY Rangers’ season premiere against rival Islanders at last night.
After receiving his SM Gold Award with Färjestad last spring, Gustav Rydahl decided to finally try to fulfill his NHL dream, despite having just turned 28, and signed a one-year contract with New York Rangers.
Just ten days before training camp, he touched down in the world capital and last night, just over two weeks later, it was time for his debut at Madison Square Garden – in the pre-season derby against the Islanders.
Playing in series with youngsters Adam Sikora (18) and Brennan Usman (19), Gustav had over thirteen minutes of ice time and seemed to be enjoying himself at the classic rink in midtown Manhattan.
Playing was a lot of fun, says the rookie when we met him in the dressing room after what turned out to be a fairly clear 4-1 win for the home team.
– At first it was a bit tense, but I think it got better with time.
Close to a successful debut
He would have been a target right away on the first appearance as well. In a third period numerical defect, he suddenly got a losing disc and was released – but failed to put the disc.
– Yes, it was a shame. He came a little unexpectedly, so I hung up a little, smiling.
According to consistent information, Mr. Rydal – or “Rajdahl” as they call him in the USA – has generally had a good pre-season with his new team and a chance to carve out a place in the Premier League squad is considered good.
– I’ve never been to the US before, so it was very new at first, but it got easier and easier every day. There are very good people around the team and they have taken good care of me. So it was easy anyway.
Since you’re not visiting the US and coming to New York, it must be a little special though?
– Yes, there is indeed some difference between New York and Karlstad, haha. But even though it’s pretty big, like I said, I think it was easy because I got help with everything.
Was Mika nice?
– Yes, like hell! he is very nice. We have a few Swedes here and that’s nice. My English is a bit difficult…
This decision came at the age of 28, how did you come to that?
– I would have regretted if I didn’t take the chance when I got it. It is of course a dream to play in the NHL, so I will do everything in my power to prove that I can play here.
If you were to start on an AHL team in Hartford, how would you do it?
– Then I must try to prove that I will wake up if something happens. It’s just for perseverance and hard work no matter what happens.
Mika – i.e. Zibanjad – mentioned that he also took part in tonight’s match and helped.
In the Islanders, Småland Simon Holmström got a chance in the first series with old Zach Parise and superstar Mat Barzal and had some really nice changes as he tore and rips and helped create chances.
Nashville and Florida met in two games during the evening and the night.
Florida won one 4-3 after an extra goal by Alexander Barkov – and rising Swede Kali Selin was noted there for his first point, in the form of a assist, on North American ice.
In the second fight, Nashville retaliated and won 4-0. Philip Forsberg scored one goal and Matthias Ekholm two assists.
New Jersey won its opening game of the pre-season, away to Montreal, and three of the team’s Swedish players – Jesper Pratt, Jesper Bokvist and Andreas Johnson – were awarded assists.
