They came to Timra to honor former Detroit Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg. However, it was a future Red Wings player who stole the show.
Forward Eddie Genborg, a 2025 Detroit second-round draft pick, scored the game-winner and assisted on the other two goals as Timra blanked Bjorkloven 3-0 on Saturday.
Red Wings lines: projected lineup and starting goalie →
Before the game, former Timra player Zetterberg’s No. 20 was officially retired and hoisted into the arena rafters.
During a lengthy speech, Zetterberg, part of Detroit’s most recent Stanley Cup winner in 2007-08, paid warm tribute to his family, according to reporting of the event by Swedish website Aftonbladet.
“Then we get to what matters most, my family,” Zetterberg said. “Mom, Dad, and my sister Ullis. Mom, I don’t know how you managed everything, and always fixed and donated.
“Dad, there is no one who has been a bigger supporter of me than you. I have probably never had a bad match in your eyes.”
Then he turned the focus of his attention to his wife Emma and their son Love.
“Emma, you are probably the one who has seen me the most when there have been peaks and when I have been at the bottom,” Zetterberg said. “You have always been there and supported me. And you have given us Love.
“Love, since you came into our lives, we got a different view of what is important. I am so proud of you and everything you do. It will be so fun to follow your steps in life, and I will support you in everything you do.”
Visiting Fans Boo Red Wings Icon
Zetterberg is part of Timra’s front office. He also serves as an unofficial advisor to the Red Wings. Former Red Wings teammates Niklas Kronwall and Johan Franzen were on hand for the ceremony.
The only drawback to the day came when visiting fans from Bjorkloven booed and chanted during the proceedings.
“Shame on those who sang during his speech and the entire ceremony,” said Kronwall’s brother Staffan, who was broadcasting the game for Sweden’s TV4.
Even Bjorkloven coach Magnus Bogren was appalled by the behavior of the team’s supporters.
“This is a special occasion,” Bogren told Aftonbladet. “When we play, you should cheer for your teams, but when you have tributes like this, you should respect it and be quiet, I think.”
Bob Duff has worked in the sports media industry since 1984 and covered the Red Wings since 1988. As … More about Bob Duff