Hosting the Ottawa Senators’ games in Sweden will allow their former captain Daniel Alfredsson to gain more experience as a staff member and mentor to players.
In fact, the former number 11 will be in Stockholm alongside head coach DJ Smith for the duels against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday and on Saturday against the Minnesota Wild. Hired by the Ottawa franchise’s new owner, Michael Andlauer, to work with the organization’s coaches and on player development, “Alfie” should be entitled to a triumphant reception from the crowd.
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However, his primary concern will be helping the Senators win, and his contribution will take a different form. Since his arrival he has observed the team’s work from the height of the press bridges, but this time he will have the opportunity to interact with the players directly from the bench.
“These are big games for both teams. “Every point counts and we know that it will be a close race for much of the season,” said the fifty-year-old on radio station TSN 1200, as the daily newspaper “Ottawa Sun” reported. When I’m on the bench for these games, I want us to be successful. I will be nervous, but it will be very pleasant.
For Smith, Alfredsson’s presence is invaluable and worth its weight in gold.
“Everyone knows what a good hockey player ‘Alfie’ was and how competitive he was. Most importantly, he loves the Ottawa Senators. “He loves being around and being an integral part of it,” he commented. He understands what the players go through on a daily basis, so he doesn’t just help the coaching group. He also supports the boys every day. You see his passion and how much fun he has with hockey. He wants to help Ottawa get back on track.”
Feverish compatriots
What’s more, the man who has amassed a total of 1,157 points in 1,246 career regular calendar games can already make his extensive expertise available to some, particularly his fellow Swedes, who tend to be nervous at the prospect of playing on home soil.
Defender Erik Brannström and goalkeeper Anton Forsberg certainly have a few butterflies in their stomachs, but they just have to stay calm and under control. As a regular guest at major events in North America and Europe, Alfredsson is well placed to say a few words to them.
“Let her enjoy this. On match days, everyone has their own routine that they have to continue to stick to because there is no question of changing anything. It’s about showing up, giving it your all and taking the time to appreciate everything, even during the game, he said. They are important duels that give additional energy not only to the Swedes but also to the European players. It’s exciting for North Americans to do something different. Let’s hope for a good show in the coming days.”