Alex Wennberg is still processing Sweden’s tough Olympic quarterfinal loss to the United States. Returning to San Jose, Wennberg shared his reflections on the tournament and its challenges.
Sweden found themselves in a tough spot after group play against Finland and Slovakia, landing them a challenging quarterfinal matchup against the eventual gold medalists, the US. Wennberg acknowledged that Sweden didn’t bring their best when it mattered most.
Reflecting on the Olympics, Wennberg noted the demanding schedule, with Sweden playing five games in seven days. The hockey teams were stationed in Milan, away from the outdoor sports in Cortina, limiting their Olympic experience. "We were there for one job, to focus on that," he said.
Now, Wennberg’s attention shifts back to the San Jose Sharks and their playoff ambitions. The Olympic experience felt like playoff hockey, with everyone elevating their game.
Wennberg is eager to bring that intensity back to San Jose. “There’s four of us that played Olympics,” he mentioned.
“You bring that pace, that energy, and that vibe and get the other guys involved.”
Despite the focus on hockey, Wennberg cherished moments with his family, who traveled to Milan to support him. His kids, enthusiastic about hockey, are big fans of Macklin Celebrini, the young San Jose Sharks star.
Wennberg laughed about his children’s divided loyalties, though a Sweden vs. Canada match never tested them.
Beyond hockey, the Swedish team was thrilled by their country’s success in skiing, with Sweden finishing seventh in the medal count, securing all their medals in ski and curling events. “We were sitting in the locker room watching them,” Wennberg shared, expressing a desire to have seen the events live.
Regarding curling controversies between Sweden and Canada, Wennberg diplomatically avoided the topic but noted, “video doesn’t lie.”
Overall, the Olympics were a memorable experience for Wennberg and his family. “It’s a lot about hockey, but just to take it all in,” he said. Playing in Milan, surrounded by family and friends, was a special moment in his career.