Henrik Zetterberg’s jersey retirement at Timra was meant to be a celebration, but the night was hijacked for stretches by visiting Björklöven supporters who booed and shouted during the ceremony.
Zetterberg, the former Detroit Red Wings captain, had his No. 20 lifted to the arena rafters before Saturday’s game against Björklöven. Instead of a clean tribute, the moment was punctuated by catcalls and singing from the road fans while recorded messages played and again when Zetterberg addressed the crowd.
The reaction drew immediate pushback from Björklöven’s own side. Assistant coach Daniel Rahimi called the scene disappointing in comments to Swedish website Expressen.
“I think it’s really sad, I’ll be honest,” Björklöven assistant coach Daniel Rahimi told Swedish website Expressen. “In Swedish hockey, we should show respect for those who have done great things.
“I hope that the few who started that go to bed and regret it.”
The backlash didn’t stop there. A corporate sponsor of Björklöven’s supporters club, the Green Devils, ended its backing of the group, saying the behavior clashed with its core values. Björklöven also issued an apology to Zetterberg and his family.
“During the ceremony, some of our supporters acted disrespectfully towards Henrik Zetterberg and the event,’ the apology read. “It is behavior that Björklöven distances itself from.
“Björklöven regrets what happened.”
There was also a mistake on the banner raised in Zetterberg’s honor. It failed to include the 2004-05 season in his Timra career, even though he played for the club that year during the NHL lockout.
“There has been a mistake from the supplier,” Adam Sälg, communications manager for Timra, explained to Expressen. “These are things that happen.
Despite the interruptions, Zetterberg kept the focus on the moment itself.
“It’s a fantastic feeling,” Zetterberg told Sweden’s TV4. “It’s not my favorite element to speak in front of an arena. But it was a wonderful experience.
“Timra has had a big place in my heart. It’s special to share this feeling with everyone here.”
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