Beyond the ‘C’: The Story of Henrik Sedin
April 22, 2012; Vancouver, BC, CANADA; Vancouver Canucks goaltender Cory Schneider (35) is consoled by forward Henrik Sedin (33) after losing during overtime of game five of the 2012 Western Conference quarterfinals against the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Arena. The Los Angeles Kings won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-US PRESSWIRE
AGE |
31
HEIGHT
6’2”
WEIGHT
188 lbs.
POSITION
Center
DRAFTED
3rd Overall in 1999
Henrik Sedin is a center for the Vancouver Canucks. As many know, he is the captain of the Canucks. He is the one who led his team to the Stanley Cup Finals to face their fate against the Boston Bruins. He is best known for his teamwork with his twin brother, who was drafted 2nd Overall in 1999, Daniel Sedin. The two are complete when they work together, virtually unstoppable if you will. It just goes to show you that it takes more than one person to create greatness on the ice. This is Beyond the ‘C’: The Story of Henrik Sedin.
A lot of people feel Henrik is nothing without his brother. His playing style wouldn’t be what it is had he not had a brother to help him thats for sure. As a kid, they played together on the same team. They haven’t split up since. They played on Modo Hockey in the Swedish Elite League. They even returned to play for them when the NHL lockout took place a few years back. After being drafted back-to-back picks in 1999, they decided to play one more year for Modo Hockey. Henrik ended the season leading the team with 47 points in 50 games (compared to Daniel’s 45 points).
As stressed a lot, not many things happen to Henrik that don’t happen to Daniel. If something happens to Henrik, like a contract signing, the Canucks give Daniel the same offer. The Canucks couldn’t have done anything better in their history. Signing two players who have been together since birth and know how the other one plays, their weaknesses and strengths, is the best thing any team could find.
During the lockout, tragedy struck. During a game against Mora IK, Henrik was slashed and it caused a major injury, which led to a minor amputation to his left pinky finger. He finished the season though, coming in third for team scoring with 36 points in 44 games, behind Peter Forsberg and Mattias Weinhandl. He led his team through the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2010-11 season, all the way to the Finals, where they faced the mean Boston Bruins. After a tough series, they Canucks folded and the Bruins won the Stanley Cup.
March 24 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Vancouver Canucks center Henrik Sedin (33) questions the length of penalty during the first period of the game against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE
Editor’s Corner:
Joe Dolce is the editor for The Canuck Way. Here is his statement on Henrik Sedin.
“I believe Henrik Sedin is a well-accomplished player and very much an asset to the Vancouver Canucks. He is their Center, and was selected 3rd overall in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. Henrik’s playing career started in 1997. He is a two-time Olympian, and helped the Sweden Hockey Team win a Gold medal in the 2006 Winter Games in Turin, Italy. He has 4 appearances in the IIHF World Championships and helped Norway win the Bronze medal in 1999, and Germany win in 2001.
He has numerous trophies to his name including winning the Hart Memorial Trophy, Art Ross (Leading Scorer) Trophy, and the Sporting News Player of the Year award in 2010.
He is one of the most popular players on the Canucks, and in my opinion, will be for many years to come… he may even end his career with them as he is already 31 years old. It would be a great accomplishment for him to have started, and to finish his playing career with them.”
Closing Argument:
I like Henrik Sedin. I feel he is one of the most respected captains in the NHL. I can see him easily playing for Vancouver until he his 40 years old, if not longer. As long as he has Daniel with him on his line and the ‘C’ on his chest, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with. Maybe one day, they could even win a Stanley Cup together.