Swedish Hockey Star Backs 2026 Bid

(ATR) Swedish National Hockey League star Henrik Lundqvist believes the time is right for his country, and hometown, to finally host an Olympic Winter Games.

Lundqvist, 37, is a fan favorite in New York, where he has been the goaltender for the Rangers since 2005. He has also been a standout performer for the Swedish national team, leading his country to an Olympic gold medal in Torino 2006 and silver in Sochi 2014.

Having grown up playing hockey in Åre, where Alpine and freestyle skiing, as well as snowboarding, are proposed for 2026, Lundqvist believes that the lakeside ski resort in Sweden’s Jämtland County offers a similar charm to that of 1994 Winter Olympic host Lillehammer.

"Being an athlete, having been part of three Olympics and being from the town of Åre, obviously I’m really rooting for it, but I think it would be a cool experience for the athletes and also the fans," Lundqvist tells Around the Rings in an exclusive interview from his summer home in Gothenburg, Sweden.

"The combination of the big city of Stockholm and Åre, which hosts World Cup ski events, when it comes to hotels, restaurants and entertainment, it’s a great place to be.

"I think it’s a pretty cool concept that they’ve put together," Lundqvist said of Sweden’s 2026 bid.

Affectionately referred to by New York Rangers fans as "King Henrik," Lundquist holds the NHL record for most victories by a European-born goaltender, currently with 449. He has posted 12 victories versus three losses representing the Tre Kronor at three Olympic Games.

Lundqvist, along with his twin brother Joel, whom he won gold with at the world championship in 2017, are among the athlete ambassadors affiliated with the Stockholm-Åre bid.

However, the suave and charming hockey star will not accompany the Swedish delegation in Lausanne due to a scheduling conflict.

"I have a hectic few weeks and it doesn’t always work out with the timing," Lundqvist said. "I’ll be following it from Sweden here and crossing my fingers."

Lundqvist’s 2006 Olympic teammate Peter Forsberg and Jonas Bergqvist will represent Swedish hockey at Monday's host city election at the IOC Session in Lausanne.

The Stockholm-Åre 2026 bid concept strives to promote a sporting legacy, inspiring a new generation of winter sport athletes. Ice hockey is always a major focus. Spanning 24 Olympic hockey tournaments, Sweden has won nine medals, including two gold in 1994 and 2006, the latter when Lundqvist starred for his country at age 24.

"I had a great time in Sochi, Russia; in Vancouver and Torino, Italy, all very different spots, with a very different feel to them," he said. "That is why I think it would be fun for athletes and fans to come here and see this part of the world.

"It’s a huge project, but I think what is in our favor is that most of what needs to be built is already in place and Sweden is very efficient country," Lundqvist said. "We have a plan in place and it makes sense now."

Sweden was recently chosen by the IIHF to host another edition of the ice hockey world championship in 2025. The marquee tournament would be held in the year preceding the Stockholm-Åre 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, should Sweden win the right to host its first Winter Games.

"Maybe I’m a little surprised that we’ve never we had it here," Lundqvist said of his country. "I remember we were close back in the late 80’s," he said, referring to failed bids from Gothenburg and Falun.

"I think now is the time and I hope it will happen."

Asked by Around the Rings as to whether he might consider extending his playing career to stop pucks on home ice should Sweden win 2026, the 37-year-old Lundqvist was quick, sharp and ready as the best goalies must always be.

"I won’t rule it out, but seven years, that sounds like a tough challenge."

Written and reported by Brian Pinelli

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