Eddie Genborg made sure Henrik Zetterberg’s big night in Timra came with a little extra shine.
The 2025 Detroit Red Wings second-round pick powered Timra to a 3-0 win over Bjorkloven on Saturday, scoring the game-winner and setting up the other two goals in a performance that grabbed the spotlight on a night built to celebrate someone else.
Zetterberg, the former Red Wings captain, had his No. 20 retired and raised to the arena rafters before the game. The ceremony marked a tribute to the Timra product, with former Detroit teammates Niklas Kronwall and Johan Franzen in attendance.
During a long speech, Zetterberg thanked the people closest to him, including his family. According to reporting from Swedish website Aftonbladet, he said:
“Then we get to what matters most, my family,” Zetterberg said. “Mom, Dad, and my sister Ullis. Mom, I don’t know how you managed everything, and always fixed and donated.
“Dad, there is no one who has been a bigger supporter of me than you. I have probably never had a bad match in your eyes.”
He then spoke directly to his wife Emma and their son Love.
“Emma, you are probably the one who has seen me the most when there have been peaks and when I have been at the bottom,” Zetterberg said. “You have always been there and supported me. And you have given us Love.
“Love, since you came into our lives, we got a different view of what is important. I am so proud of you and everything you do. It will be so fun to follow your steps in life, and I will support you in everything you do.”
Zetterberg is part of Timra’s front office and also serves as an unofficial advisor to the Red Wings.
The ceremony, though, was interrupted by a sour note from the visiting side. Bjorkloven fans booed and chanted during the proceedings, drawing criticism from Kronwall’s brother Staffan, who was on the broadcast for Sweden’s TV4.
“Shame on those who sang during his speech and the entire ceremony,” Staffan said.
Bjorkloven coach Magnus Bogren also took issue with the reaction from the stands.
“This is a special occasion,” Bogren told Aftonbladet. “When we play, you should cheer for your teams, but when you have tributes like this, you should respect it and be quiet, I think.”
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