Las vigas. Newly crowned Stanley Cup champion William Carlson celebrated with his wife, Emily, and 1-month-old son, Beckham, on the ice in Las Vegas last night.
– This is the best year ever. First baby and then the Stanley Cup. It’s incredible, greeting the overjoyed family and at the same time announcing that the dent is coming to Pinbackshallen in Märsta later this summer.
Original Knight William Carlsson, as the 43rd Swede in history, received the Stanley Cup from the late Jonathan Marchesault at the T-Mobile Center when the final whistle blew after a 9-3 victory in the Final Five against the Florida Panthers.
But that was just the beginning of the celebration.
Half an hour later, the real payoff comes in the happy mayhem on the ice:
Wife Emily and son Beckham, born exactly a month early – in the midst of the Golden Knights hunt.
‘Best year ever’
Abi, newly minted Stanley Cup champion, takes him in his arms – and Beckham seems to be enjoying himself at the party.
– Yes, he is calm, as always, like his father. I hope it continues, Marsta’s 30-year-old son grinned
– Yes, he’s just been fed, so he’s very happy, mother Emily interjects.
They both have trouble finding the words when asked to describe their feelings.
– This is the best year ever. Baby first and then the Stanley Cup… It’s incredible, they cheer.
William’s siblings, Brother Christopher and Sister Michaela, also help out with the celebration – and they’re distraught, too.
– Winning 9-3 in the final at home… It’s absolutely insane. I can’t quite believe it, says Christopher.
to raise the cup
Like every other hockey player, the “Wild Bill” has been dreaming of raising the Stanley Cup over his head for as long as he can remember – and now he finally knows how to feel.
– Yes, I’ve seen plenty of others do it over the years and to be able to hold the lovely cup yourself and kiss it a little… Uh, it just feels quite sick, he says.
– heavy? No, I don’t think it was that serious.
According to ancient tradition, Father William will have his name engraved in the silver of hockey’s most sacred jewel – and this summer he will have him in his possession for a day at his home in Sweden.
Where do you go next?
– Yes, it’s probably Märsta’s Pinback Hall, he smiles.
Beckham, who clearly loves hustle and bustle, will certainly be there to celebrate, too.
1/4Photo: John Locher/AP
