2023-12-14 07:00:42

Switzerland faces Sweden this evening in Zurich (live on RTS 2 from 7:40 p.m.) to begin its Swiss Ice Hockey Games. If Tre Kronor has a large contingent of National League players in its ranks (9), a defender playing for Frölunda might steal the show: a certain Henrik Tömmernes. RTSsport.ch caught up with him.

During the 6 years he spent in Geneva, Henrik Tömmernes left his mark on the National League. Elected MVP (Most Valuable Player, or the most valuable player) of the 2021-2022 season, the 33-year-old Swede was also named 4 times among the championship team. Considered one of the best non-NHL European defenders, “King Henrik” was one of the Eagles’ essential pawns in winning their first national title.

“Superstar”, as Servetti fans affectionately call him, scored 249 points in 308 matches with the Garnet, a simply exceptional total for a defender. The native of Karlstad decided last winter to return to the country for family reasons. He now wears the colors of Frölunda, a team with whom he has already played 7 seasons in the past, and currently has 12 points in 26 games. A regular at Tre Kronor (79 caps), he will face Switzerland this evening in Zurich.

Henrik Tömmernes left Genève-Servette following the title won last spring. [Salvatore Di Nolfi – Keystone]

RTSsport.ch: How has your life been since your return to Sweden?

HENRIK TÖMMERNES: She is fine. It’s nice to be back home and playing in Sweden once more for my old team. Life is going well, everyone is happy and the children are happy. So far everything has gone well.

It took me a little time to readjust to Swedish hockey, but it’s slowly getting better.

Henrik Tömmernes

RTSsport.ch: Did you need time to readjust to Swedish hockey?

HENRIK TÖMMERNES: After spending so long playing in different leagues with so many teammates, it obviously takes some time to get used to once more. The Swedish championship is a little more defensive, there’s a little less power play, that kind of thing. It took me a little time to readjust, but it’s slowly getting better.

Interview Henrik Tömmernes 1/2 / Ice hockey – Worlds / 37 sec. / today at 00:00

RTSsport.ch: Do you still follow what’s happening in the National League?

HENRIK TÖMMERNES: Yes I do. I watched some highlights and some matches. Not necessarily in full, but they are broadcast at home, especially on Fridays, since we don’t play that day. I took the opportunity to look a little at my former teammates, with whom I am obviously still in contact. I saw that they were finally starting to get better and that they had good performances in the Champions League. It was a pleasure.

I’m also looking forward to playing the Spengler Cup, because I should have already played it in the past

Henrik Tömmernes

RTSsport.ch: Coincidence of the calendar, vou come play in Switzerland twice in December with the Swiss Ice Hockey Games and the Spengler Cup. How do you experience it?

HENRIK TÖMMERNES: It’s always nice to come back, because I know the environment and the players. This week, it will be interesting to play these big matches with the national team. I’m also looking forward to playing the Spengler Cup, because I should have played it in the past, but the last time the opportunity presented itself, the tournament was canceled due to Covid.

Interview Henrik Tömmernes 2/2 / Ice hockey – Worlds / 35 sec. / today at 00:00

RTSsport.ch: Let’s return to your national selection. What does it mean to you to play for the Swedish team?

HENRIK TÖMMERNES: It means a lot. I grew up watching the national team on television at the Olympics and World Championships. I have now competed in a few Worlds and the Olympics, but I have never won a medal. So I want to win something with her and that’s why I’m here. So that’s my goal every year: to try to make the team, go as far as possible and win something with the Tre Kronor.

Zurich, Bastien Trottet – @BastienTrottet

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