The CSKA defender spoke about his first steps in hockey, moving to Russia and winning the championship with the CSKA club.
— Fredrik, tell us about your first years in hockey.
— I started playing hockey when I was 8 years old. By the way, I was a goalkeeper until I was 12.
— Who was your role model as a child?
— Nicklas Lidstrom, as probably for all children in Sweden.
— The hardest challenge in your career is…
— I think injuries, in particular the moment of recovery and work in rehabilitation.
— What do you think can make hockey more interesting to watch?
— A smaller rink.
— How can you describe the routine of a hockey player?
— Everyone has their own routine, but in the team you always have one day off a week, training on ice and "ground". You also do a video analysis of the opponent. And, of course, moving and flying.
— What advice can you give to young hockey players that will help them develop calmness in a moment of tension?
— The worst thing that can happen is that you will make a mistake on the ice. Learn from your mistakes and move on.
— Was it difficult to make the decision to change leagues, to move to Russia?
— I wanted to play in the KHL 4 years before I got here, but it didn't work out then. So the decision was not difficult for me.
— What was the most difficult in the first months of life in Russia?
— I think the language barrier. To understand the applications, how to get to the arena by metro, what kind of game the coaches want to see from me.
— You are part of CSKA. How does it feel?
— Just great. My family and I like everything. And the guys in our team are good.
— Do you have any interests outside of hockey?
— Yes, I love golf. But with two small children, I can't attend it as much as I want.
— How is your vacation going?
— Summer is going great. We were in Stockholm for three weeks. Now we are back in Ottawa. I recovered after the playoffs, so everything is fine.
— What is your favorite place to spend your summer vacation?
— Stockholm, because this is my home.
— What is your main goal for the upcoming season?
— I want to improve in the defensive zone and create more chances.
— This season was your debut in CSKA, in the KHL, in Russia, and you became a champion, lifted the Gagarin Cup over your head. What emotions do you feel about it?
— Indescribable. You work so hard and for a long time throughout the season, going through your own and team's ups and downs. And it was incredibly cool to lift such a heavy cup after all this! It will always be a special moment for me and the family.
