Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell might not have gotten the ending they hoped for at the Winter Games, but their journey with Team Sweden was nothing short of memorable. In a nail-biting Quarterfinal, they fell to the United States 2-1 in overtime, a result that left both players reflecting on the experience with mixed emotions.
Karlsson, attending his second Olympics, was a pivotal player for Sweden, dishing out four assists and logging over 21 minutes per game. Despite the loss, he found moments to cherish.
"Obviously not the result we wanted, and very devastated in that aspect," Karlsson shared. "But overall, it’s something that we’ll cherish for a long time, and we had a blast."
For Rakell, this was his first Olympic outing, a dream realized at 32. "It’s a dream come true for me to have the chance to do that," Rakell said.
"Every chance that you get to put on your country’s jersey, it’s a huge honor. Right now, it just stings a little bit."
Outside the rink, the duo didn’t have much leisure time to explore Italy, but connecting with family was a priority. Rakell noted, "Whenever our schedule allowed us, I tried to go see them, walk around, and go to dinner. It was a tight schedule, but everybody really enjoyed it."
Staying in the Olympic Village offered Karlsson and Rakell a chance to mingle with athletes from other sports, adding another layer to their Olympic experience. For Karlsson, who last represented Sweden in 2014, the Olympics remain a unique and special atmosphere.
"It’s just a different atmosphere and experience in general," he said. "Even when you’re there, there’s not much to complain about, and you just kind of go with the flow."
Sweden's journey saw them win two out of three games in the Preliminary Round, setting up a clash with Latvia in the Qualification round, where they secured a 4-1 victory. However, the Quarterfinal against the U.S. ended in heartbreak with an overtime goal by Quinn Hughes.
"In a short tournament like that, you got to get together as a group fast and make things work," Karlsson explained. "We didn’t really reach the potential that we had. Unfortunately, that’s sometimes the way it is."
Despite the outcome, both players found immense value in the experience. Rakell expressed gratitude for having Karlsson and his family by his side.
"I’ll be forever thankful for it," Rakell said. "You don’t know how many chances you get to do it, so just try to soak it all in."
Playing alongside fellow Swedes, many of whom they've known since their youth, added to the experience. Karlsson, rooming with Victor Hedman, and Rakell with Hampus Lindholm, relished the camaraderie.
"A lot of close friends on the team from Sweden, representing your country. It’s just a different experience from what we’re used to.
It’s definitely something that you’ll always remember," Karlsson reflected.
In the end, while the sting of defeat lingers, the memories and camaraderie forged during the Olympics will be cherished for a lifetime.