Winter Companions
Being a treatise on the Evolution of Forslund.
(Meant to be done on the 14th, but ooops)
This is Markus Näslund, AKA Nazzy. Macke is also apparently a thing.
He is a retired Swedish NHL player who spent the most statistically important years of his career playing for the Vancouver Canucks. Unfortunately, this was during some of their 'what is that sweater, are you serious?' years.
Admittedly, still not as bad as the flying spaghet. . .
Vancouver, why would you do this to him?
He was their captain for many years, carries the franchise record for most goals and points, and was the Canuck's MVP five times. Along with center Brendan Morrison and winger Todd Bertuzzi he formed the West Coast Express, one of the most productive lines of the early 2000s.
He is also a big fan of rocking the sweater vest.
This is Peter Forsberg, AKA Foppa.
He is a retired Swedish NHL player who spent the most statistically important years of his career playing for the Colorado Avalanche. Fortunately they have pretty decent sweaters, so no complaints there.
Except for maybe this one.
He wore the A for the team for many years, is 4th all time in the NHL for assists, and is a member of the Triple Gold Club twice over. He once centered Colorado's AMP ((A)lex Tanguay, (M)ilan Hejduk, (P)eter) line. He is internationally known as 'that guy with the serial killer stare' and/or 'the guy who appeared in those weird beer commercials'.
He randomly ended up in Philly for a while because the universe hates beauty, and then returned to the Avalanche only to retire for reals this time, guys.
He is a fan of uniquely hideous coats.
If all of that sounds a little redundant, that's because it is. Näslund and Forsberg's story began 39 years ago, when they grew up together in a paper and pulp town in Sweden called Örnsköldsvik or Ö-vik.
If it is actually nicknamed Foppaland it is officially the most magical place on earth.
Örnsköldsvik, despite being but a single town, has decided that's not going to stop it from trying to corner the market on elite level hockey players, presumably because it was teased by Stockholm as a child. It is the hometown of Forsberg, who is arguably the greatest hockey player Sweden has yet produced, as well as Näslund, Niklas Sundström, and Näslund's future teammates, the Sedin twins.
Yep, these guys.
There are more players in that list, but I've used up my allowance of umlauts for the day.
The Epic Bromance of Forslund (or Näsberg, I'm not picky) has its origins on July 30th 1973, when Forsberg was born to Kent and Gudrun Forsberg. Not to be outdone, Näslund followed 10 days later, born to Sture and Ulla Näslund.
While Näslund and Forsberg were growing up, they both began to play hockey. Though aware of each others existence, they played on separate teams through their youth, a product of Nazzy being from "the wrong side of town". Forsberg reportedly smirked while saying this, so it is apparently Foppa speak for 'his team kept losing to my team in a way I find hilarious'.
He was "the player who would never give up, even as his team was losing to us," Foppa recalls, a trait he clearly appreciates. Näslund is still presented as a determined player.
For his part, Näslund recalls Forsberg as a very talented kid with "great hands". This joins "putting it through the five hole" and "he did not get good wood" as another example of how hockey is, on occasion, hilariously pornographic sounding.
This went on for a while before they eventually ended up on the Ångermanland team together, at the age of 14. At some point during their teenagerhood they began to hang out.
If this photo is to be believed, it was grudgingly and while wearing ugly sweaters.
Foppa centered Nazzy through their careers in MoDo, becoming one of the most dangerous lines in the Swedish Elite League. They went from being rivals to close friends over those years.
They also apparently had a career as living NASCARs, or most likely I just don't understand how uniforms work in Europe.
They attended the same high school (high school not-really-an AU, anyone? Anyone?), and their collective first jobs were at the electrical company that employed Nazzy's mother and Foppa's father.
Foppa photobombed Nazzy before photobombing was even a thing.
They also played for the Swedish national team - yep, you guessed it - on the same line. They won silver in the 92 and 93 World Junior Championships and silver in the World Championships, and took charming black and white photographs.
This is the video that shows a retrospective of their careers, both together and with their respective teams.
It is good to watch if you're a fan of either of the players, or just if you want to watch anything that even vaguely resembles a hockey game.
Apparently they are so close that they are referred to as a singular unit, like Borg.
And/or are blueprints for Swedish hockey.
They came to the US together in 1991 for the NHL draft, and went first round - Foppa at number six to the Flyers and Nazzy at 16 to the Penguins.
While this would have resulted in a hilarious rebirth to their rivalry, Forsberg ended up going to the Nordiques as part of the Lindros debacle. 1996 saw both of them in a team move, Forsberg when the Nordiques moved to Colorado to become the Avalanche, and Näslund in a late season trade to the Canucks.
There seems to be a block of time where they were off doing their own things, like being the league's leading scorers and being injured in increasingly bizarre ways (your guess as to which was which).
And also, apparently, trying to take over the world?
Hockey has to be the most roundabout method of global conquest ever but go with your strengths, I guess.
In 2002 they teamed up to form Icebreakers, a charitable organization that raises money for sick and disabled children in their home region. Each year a team of Swedish All Stars participates in exhibition games against various challengers. Sometimes this requires the founders to pose awkwardly together.
That's right, Foppa. Hip pop. Hip pop like you mean it.
The only time being between the Sedins is possible is if you're Peter Forsberg.
And they still look unhappy about it.
An assortment of Swedish All Stars and, for some reason, someone who I think is Simon Gagner.
Apparently even Gabe Landeskog took time off from being the dictionary definition of Swede to participate.
Because why not.
2003 was the year that an offhanded comment by Näslund went viral (maybe? What was this called before viral internet was a huge deal?). Näslund commented that he may wish to return to Sweden during the last years of his career so his children could grow up in their home country. And the media went apeshit because the league's top scorer musing that he might take his family and go home was a big deal.
The second most cited reason that he might be considering returning home in his final years? His close relationship with fellow Örnsköldsvik native Peter Forsberg.
That's right. This guy:
But really, who wouldn’t.
The 53rd All Star Game in Southern Florida that same year marked the first and only time Forsberg and Näslund would ever play a line together in the NHL, their first in over 10 years. "We've talked about it," said Näslund, when asked about returning home with Foppa.
Right. Talking.
Possibly because this reminded them how awesome it was to play together, when the 2004-05 lockout rolled around both players returned to MoDo and resumed their adorably interconnected lives. Forsberg signed a one year contract before the cancellation was even announced.
This was a blast from the past, albeit one in which Forsberg once more demonstrated that he is made out of glass. Gorgeous, Swedish glass.
Forsberg broke his hand during the very same game that marked Näslund's return to MoDo. Clearly the universe did not want them to play together.
"It was wonderful to be back and play," Näslund said, "but [Forsberg's injury] dampens it a bit."
Forsberg managed to make a return during the postseason, however . . .
If you can guess where this is going, congrats! You finally understand the depths of his breakability! He suffered a concussion during his first game back.
Basically leaving it to Näslund to drop everything and haul his injured butt off the ice yet again. There's no official stat on how often this has happened, but based on his susceptibility to everything under the sun, the bet is a lot.
Prior to the 2007 season Näslund was actively pursuing an unrestricted Forsberg to get him to play for the Canucks, something he had apparently been trying to do for years.
"I'm doing what I can," Näslund told CKNW Radio. "[…]There is lots of interest in him. We'll see where he ends up. I think his main focus right now is trying to get healthy with his foot and after that he'll make a decision." Because why would you ask Forsberg about that sort of thing if you can just grill his BFF who is conveniently in your studio to talk about other things. It's not like you're journalists.
This marks the beginning of the 2007-present interviews where it becomes impossible for anyone to discuss one without seeking out the other to interview them about their feelings regarding the other. The media seems to have discovered that they are absolutely precious towards each other, so they might as well play mashups with their interviews.
Näslund in particular is extremely protective of Foppa and his injury-proneness. This is evidenced in the article, which takes protectiveness to extremes by titling itself Näslund: Forsberg should play in Sweden. Like he's a spokesperson or some shit.
After Forsberg and Näslund were observed having dinner together during the Goals and Dreams program's trip through Örnsköldsvik the media apparently jumped Näslund. They then managed to create an entire article about Peter Forsberg's future decisions where Näslund was the only one they actually interviewed because at this point the media apparently decided 'fuckit, they're practically the same person anyway'.
"I personally think he's not going to retire. I feel he will play somewhere this year. But who knows where he is going to play.
"He's still working on figuring everything out. He wants to make sure he's 100 per cent fit before he can commit to anything. I know he's getting closer to making his decision, but I honestly don't know which way he's leaning," Näslund is quoted as saying. "There is definitely a chance that he might stay here and, in my opinion, it might be better for him."
Because clearly Markus has a very strong opinion of where Peter should spend the rest of his career (hint: it is with him).
Always with him.
Lo and behold, in 2009 this happened:
In order to help MoDo, which was struggling dead last in the rankings, Näslund unretired on November 17th, 2009 to join Forsberg on the struggling team.
"They were in dead last place and they were struggling financially. It's just one of those things where both me and Peter felt that it was a good thing to do."
"They've asked me throughout the summer and even in the fall when they've been struggling and I haven't felt that it was even on the horizon for me to come back," said Näslund. "And then a lot of things just happened at once there and I just decided to go ahead and do it."
In an amusing reversal, Peter was instrumental in luring Markus back to the struggling team, demonstrating that he is apparently much better at pursuing Näslund than Näslund was in pursuing him.
I assume this is how the meeting went. Right?
They both suited up for MoDo without a dime in compensation, because they are badasses. They hoped that their combined presence would prove to be a draw for the struggling team. In fact, the announcement crashed the team's servers.
Teaming up with Niklas Sundström to recreate their Magic Line, Forsberg and Näslund took to the ice together.
He looks weirdly unenthusiastic about being in a Forslund sandwich. Which brings me to my next primer - Niklas Sundström: What is wrong with him?
"I'm really looking forward to playing with MoDo again and the fact that Peter and I will do it together is, of course, something really special."
Don't stop beliiiiiiiiievin'
This story ends like the exact opposite of a sports cliche: MoDo still missed the playoffs, no one played the last game in honor of their tragically ill teammate, and Näslund retired for certain this time. Unlike Foppa, he is capable of following through on his plans, sorta. In December 2010 Näslund took over as GM of the MoDo organization.
Forsberg went on to attempt a comeback with the Avalanche, only to retire totally for real this time on Feb 14th, 2011 (worst Valentine's Day gift ever, Foppa).
After this announcement he returned home to Sweden and, unsurprisingly, Näslund. Who fulfilled their childhood dreams of spending their retirement together by naming Forsberg assistant GM of MoDo.
I cannot even with how unspeakably adorable they are with each other.
They at some point received matching keys to the city together, while wearing their trademark layered shirts and ugly coats. And Näslund's inexplicable bouquet.
In conclusion:
They have elected to skate off into the sunset together, sitting at tiny tables, bumping knees and answering each others phones all the way.
This entry was originally posted at http://vamm-goda.dreamwidth.org/186604.html. Comment where you wish!
(Meant to be done on the 14th, but ooops)
This is Markus Näslund, AKA Nazzy. Macke is also apparently a thing.
He is a retired Swedish NHL player who spent the most statistically important years of his career playing for the Vancouver Canucks. Unfortunately, this was during some of their 'what is that sweater, are you serious?' years.
Admittedly, still not as bad as the flying spaghet. . .
Vancouver, why would you do this to him?
He was their captain for many years, carries the franchise record for most goals and points, and was the Canuck's MVP five times. Along with center Brendan Morrison and winger Todd Bertuzzi he formed the West Coast Express, one of the most productive lines of the early 2000s.
He is also a big fan of rocking the sweater vest.
This is Peter Forsberg, AKA Foppa.
He is a retired Swedish NHL player who spent the most statistically important years of his career playing for the Colorado Avalanche. Fortunately they have pretty decent sweaters, so no complaints there.
Except for maybe this one.
He wore the A for the team for many years, is 4th all time in the NHL for assists, and is a member of the Triple Gold Club twice over. He once centered Colorado's AMP ((A)lex Tanguay, (M)ilan Hejduk, (P)eter) line. He is internationally known as 'that guy with the serial killer stare' and/or 'the guy who appeared in those weird beer commercials'.
He randomly ended up in Philly for a while because the universe hates beauty, and then returned to the Avalanche only to retire for reals this time, guys.
He is a fan of uniquely hideous coats.
If all of that sounds a little redundant, that's because it is. Näslund and Forsberg's story began 39 years ago, when they grew up together in a paper and pulp town in Sweden called Örnsköldsvik or Ö-vik.
If it is actually nicknamed Foppaland it is officially the most magical place on earth.
Örnsköldsvik, despite being but a single town, has decided that's not going to stop it from trying to corner the market on elite level hockey players, presumably because it was teased by Stockholm as a child. It is the hometown of Forsberg, who is arguably the greatest hockey player Sweden has yet produced, as well as Näslund, Niklas Sundström, and Näslund's future teammates, the Sedin twins.
Yep, these guys.
There are more players in that list, but I've used up my allowance of umlauts for the day.
The Epic Bromance of Forslund (or Näsberg, I'm not picky) has its origins on July 30th 1973, when Forsberg was born to Kent and Gudrun Forsberg. Not to be outdone, Näslund followed 10 days later, born to Sture and Ulla Näslund.
While Näslund and Forsberg were growing up, they both began to play hockey. Though aware of each others existence, they played on separate teams through their youth, a product of Nazzy being from "the wrong side of town". Forsberg reportedly smirked while saying this, so it is apparently Foppa speak for 'his team kept losing to my team in a way I find hilarious'.
He was "the player who would never give up, even as his team was losing to us," Foppa recalls, a trait he clearly appreciates. Näslund is still presented as a determined player.
For his part, Näslund recalls Forsberg as a very talented kid with "great hands". This joins "putting it through the five hole" and "he did not get good wood" as another example of how hockey is, on occasion, hilariously pornographic sounding.
This went on for a while before they eventually ended up on the Ångermanland team together, at the age of 14. At some point during their teenagerhood they began to hang out.
If this photo is to be believed, it was grudgingly and while wearing ugly sweaters.
Foppa centered Nazzy through their careers in MoDo, becoming one of the most dangerous lines in the Swedish Elite League. They went from being rivals to close friends over those years.
They also apparently had a career as living NASCARs, or most likely I just don't understand how uniforms work in Europe.
They attended the same high school (high school not-really-an AU, anyone? Anyone?), and their collective first jobs were at the electrical company that employed Nazzy's mother and Foppa's father.
Foppa photobombed Nazzy before photobombing was even a thing.
They also played for the Swedish national team - yep, you guessed it - on the same line. They won silver in the 92 and 93 World Junior Championships and silver in the World Championships, and took charming black and white photographs.
This is the video that shows a retrospective of their careers, both together and with their respective teams.
Click to viewIt is good to watch if you're a fan of either of the players, or just if you want to watch anything that even vaguely resembles a hockey game.
Apparently they are so close that they are referred to as a singular unit, like Borg.
And/or are blueprints for Swedish hockey.
They came to the US together in 1991 for the NHL draft, and went first round - Foppa at number six to the Flyers and Nazzy at 16 to the Penguins.
While this would have resulted in a hilarious rebirth to their rivalry, Forsberg ended up going to the Nordiques as part of the Lindros debacle. 1996 saw both of them in a team move, Forsberg when the Nordiques moved to Colorado to become the Avalanche, and Näslund in a late season trade to the Canucks.
There seems to be a block of time where they were off doing their own things, like being the league's leading scorers and being injured in increasingly bizarre ways (your guess as to which was which).
And also, apparently, trying to take over the world?
Hockey has to be the most roundabout method of global conquest ever but go with your strengths, I guess.
In 2002 they teamed up to form Icebreakers, a charitable organization that raises money for sick and disabled children in their home region. Each year a team of Swedish All Stars participates in exhibition games against various challengers. Sometimes this requires the founders to pose awkwardly together.
That's right, Foppa. Hip pop. Hip pop like you mean it.
The only time being between the Sedins is possible is if you're Peter Forsberg.
And they still look unhappy about it.
An assortment of Swedish All Stars and, for some reason, someone who I think is Simon Gagner.
Apparently even Gabe Landeskog took time off from being the dictionary definition of Swede to participate.
Because why not.
2003 was the year that an offhanded comment by Näslund went viral (maybe? What was this called before viral internet was a huge deal?). Näslund commented that he may wish to return to Sweden during the last years of his career so his children could grow up in their home country. And the media went apeshit because the league's top scorer musing that he might take his family and go home was a big deal.
The second most cited reason that he might be considering returning home in his final years? His close relationship with fellow Örnsköldsvik native Peter Forsberg.
That's right. This guy:
But really, who wouldn’t.
The 53rd All Star Game in Southern Florida that same year marked the first and only time Forsberg and Näslund would ever play a line together in the NHL, their first in over 10 years. "We've talked about it," said Näslund, when asked about returning home with Foppa.
Right. Talking.
Possibly because this reminded them how awesome it was to play together, when the 2004-05 lockout rolled around both players returned to MoDo and resumed their adorably interconnected lives. Forsberg signed a one year contract before the cancellation was even announced.
This was a blast from the past, albeit one in which Forsberg once more demonstrated that he is made out of glass. Gorgeous, Swedish glass.
Forsberg broke his hand during the very same game that marked Näslund's return to MoDo. Clearly the universe did not want them to play together.
"It was wonderful to be back and play," Näslund said, "but [Forsberg's injury] dampens it a bit."
Forsberg managed to make a return during the postseason, however . . .
If you can guess where this is going, congrats! You finally understand the depths of his breakability! He suffered a concussion during his first game back.
Basically leaving it to Näslund to drop everything and haul his injured butt off the ice yet again. There's no official stat on how often this has happened, but based on his susceptibility to everything under the sun, the bet is a lot.
Prior to the 2007 season Näslund was actively pursuing an unrestricted Forsberg to get him to play for the Canucks, something he had apparently been trying to do for years.
"I'm doing what I can," Näslund told CKNW Radio. "[…]There is lots of interest in him. We'll see where he ends up. I think his main focus right now is trying to get healthy with his foot and after that he'll make a decision." Because why would you ask Forsberg about that sort of thing if you can just grill his BFF who is conveniently in your studio to talk about other things. It's not like you're journalists.
This marks the beginning of the 2007-present interviews where it becomes impossible for anyone to discuss one without seeking out the other to interview them about their feelings regarding the other. The media seems to have discovered that they are absolutely precious towards each other, so they might as well play mashups with their interviews.
Näslund in particular is extremely protective of Foppa and his injury-proneness. This is evidenced in the article, which takes protectiveness to extremes by titling itself Näslund: Forsberg should play in Sweden. Like he's a spokesperson or some shit.
After Forsberg and Näslund were observed having dinner together during the Goals and Dreams program's trip through Örnsköldsvik the media apparently jumped Näslund. They then managed to create an entire article about Peter Forsberg's future decisions where Näslund was the only one they actually interviewed because at this point the media apparently decided 'fuckit, they're practically the same person anyway'.
"I personally think he's not going to retire. I feel he will play somewhere this year. But who knows where he is going to play.
"He's still working on figuring everything out. He wants to make sure he's 100 per cent fit before he can commit to anything. I know he's getting closer to making his decision, but I honestly don't know which way he's leaning," Näslund is quoted as saying. "There is definitely a chance that he might stay here and, in my opinion, it might be better for him."
Because clearly Markus has a very strong opinion of where Peter should spend the rest of his career (hint: it is with him).
Always with him.
Lo and behold, in 2009 this happened:
In order to help MoDo, which was struggling dead last in the rankings, Näslund unretired on November 17th, 2009 to join Forsberg on the struggling team.
"They were in dead last place and they were struggling financially. It's just one of those things where both me and Peter felt that it was a good thing to do."
"They've asked me throughout the summer and even in the fall when they've been struggling and I haven't felt that it was even on the horizon for me to come back," said Näslund. "And then a lot of things just happened at once there and I just decided to go ahead and do it."
In an amusing reversal, Peter was instrumental in luring Markus back to the struggling team, demonstrating that he is apparently much better at pursuing Näslund than Näslund was in pursuing him.
I assume this is how the meeting went. Right?
They both suited up for MoDo without a dime in compensation, because they are badasses. They hoped that their combined presence would prove to be a draw for the struggling team. In fact, the announcement crashed the team's servers.
Teaming up with Niklas Sundström to recreate their Magic Line, Forsberg and Näslund took to the ice together.
He looks weirdly unenthusiastic about being in a Forslund sandwich. Which brings me to my next primer - Niklas Sundström: What is wrong with him?
"I'm really looking forward to playing with MoDo again and the fact that Peter and I will do it together is, of course, something really special."
Don't stop beliiiiiiiiievin'
This story ends like the exact opposite of a sports cliche: MoDo still missed the playoffs, no one played the last game in honor of their tragically ill teammate, and Näslund retired for certain this time. Unlike Foppa, he is capable of following through on his plans, sorta. In December 2010 Näslund took over as GM of the MoDo organization.
Forsberg went on to attempt a comeback with the Avalanche, only to retire totally for real this time on Feb 14th, 2011 (worst Valentine's Day gift ever, Foppa).
After this announcement he returned home to Sweden and, unsurprisingly, Näslund. Who fulfilled their childhood dreams of spending their retirement together by naming Forsberg assistant GM of MoDo.
I cannot even with how unspeakably adorable they are with each other.
They at some point received matching keys to the city together, while wearing their trademark layered shirts and ugly coats. And Näslund's inexplicable bouquet.
In conclusion:
They have elected to skate off into the sunset together, sitting at tiny tables, bumping knees and answering each others phones all the way.
This entry was originally posted at http://vamm-goda.dreamwidth.org/186604.html. Comment where you wish!