These private Sedin stories prove they're better people than players

Apr 6 2018, 1:08 am

Seventeen seasons, over a thousand points each, and memories that will last a lifetime – Canucks fans will say goodbye to the greatest players in franchise history on Thursday.

Playing in their last game in front of the hometown fans, it’s sure to be emotional.

But really, it’s been emotional all week after Henrik and Daniel Sedin formally announced their retirement plans on Monday.

Tributes have poured in from all corners of the world. Former teammates, coaches, managers, and broadcasters have all spoken about them.

Markus Naslund and Sami Salo called in from Europe. Alain Vigneault, Marc Crawford, and even John Tortorella spoke.

Jim Robson and Tom Larscheid weighed in.

Brian Burke put his long-lasting feud with TSN 1040 on hold to be interviewed live on air. Even Mike Gillis, who hasn’t done an interview since he was fired by the Canucks in 2014, agreed to an interview.

Anything for Henrik and Daniel.

It’s a testament to how well respected the twins are in the game. I mean, not many players have received applause from the media after a press conference:

After an amazing career that saw the mild-mannered Swedes not get enough of the spotlight, they’re finally getting their due. And it’s been wonderful to watch.

There are professional athletes who act like good guys on-camera, but are far from it away from the spotlight. That’s not the case with the Sedins.

Everyone, it seems, has a remarkable story to tell about them.

You know about how hard they played on the ice, about how they carried themselves off of it. But it’s been nice to see players, media, and fans share their personal Sedin stories this week.

Here’s a selection of some of the best I’ve seen:

The Sedins weren’t just generous with their time, they were generous with their money too – and not just the time they donated $1.5 million to BC Children’s Hospital.

The Sedins were always classy, but it seems that Mats Sundin was the first to see them as leadership material.

Innovators, their legacy will live on with a play they invented, as Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid explained:

So what’s left for their last home game? Canucks players were treated to a montage of career highlights this morning.

You know the last game will be filled with emotion, and maybe – just maybe – a viking clap tribute for Vancouver’s favourite Swedish sons.

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