Stenlund celebrates with Stanley Cup in Sweden, where it all began
Stenlund celebrates with Stanley Cup in Sweden, where it all began
The veteran forward, who is currently with the Utah Hockey Club, wins the trophy.
© Janne Bengtsson
Kevin Stenlund continued the Stanley Cup’s tour through Sweden on Saturday by bringing the trophy back to where it all started for him.
The forward, who is currently with the Utah Hockey Club after assisting the Florida Panthers in their 2024 Cup victory, displayed The Greatest Trophy in All of Sports at the Ishuset rink in Tumba, Sweden. This is where he initially honed his skills in the game.
Stenlund, who organized the event for family and friends to catch a glimpse of the Cup, found it to be an emotional moment.
© Janne Bengtsson
“I’m overwhelmed with emotions at the moment,” Stelund stated during the event. “My friends and family are present, along with everyone else I’m acquainted with. Many of these individuals have been in my life for a long time and have consistently supported me… It’s an incredibly emotional moment and it holds great significance for me.”
Stenlund couldn’t have envisioned a more suitable location for the Cup than the rink, situated a brief drive south of Stockholm, his birthplace.
“This serves as a homage to everyone who has supported us throughout the years and made this possible,” Stenlund expressed. “All my memories here, the days I’ve spent, the hours of practice, and the games – this place holds immense significance for me. My advice to the young boys and girls here now would be to pursue what they find enjoyable. If they wish to train for six hours a day, they should. The key is to have fun and cherish every moment of it.”
© Janne Bengtsson
Stenlund, after reveling in the glory of a championship, will begin afresh in Utah this upcoming season.
“He spoke positively about signing with Utah, stating, “It’s a new city, a new environment, and a new team. But everything seems to be fantastic. They are fully committed and have a strong desire to win.”
NHL.com International correspondent Janne Bengtsson contributed to this report
