Imagine playing the sport you love in front of your family, friends, and hometown fans—a dream come true, right? But here’s where it gets emotional: For Filip Forsberg, the Nashville Predators’ Swedish-born forward, this dream became a reality during the NHL Global Series in Stockholm, and it was so much more than just hockey. In a week filled with milestones, gratitude, and unforgettable moments, Forsberg didn’t just celebrate his 800th NHL game; he also gave back to his community in ways that left a lasting impact.
After the final buzzer sounded and the celebrations wrapped up, Forsberg gathered his teammates to share a heartfelt message: he wanted to thank them. He knew the journey to Stockholm in the middle of the season wasn’t easy—jet lag, unfamiliar foods, and the challenges of playing on foreign ice. Yet, for Forsberg, their presence meant everything. These games, he said, were probably his favorite of his entire NHL career.
‘It’s been unbelievable,’ Forsberg reflected, his voice filled with gratitude. Growing up just three hours north of Stockholm in Leksand, Sweden, this week was a homecoming like no other. ‘I’ve had both sets of grandparents here, family members who usually only visit for a week or two in the summer, and they’ve gotten to see their first NHL games. We’ve eaten more meatballs than anyone on this team ever thought possible—I don’t think we’ll see another meatball for a while.’
And this is the part most people miss: Forsberg’s gratitude wasn’t just about the games. It was about the connections, the memories, and the chance to give back. Predators forward Ryan O’Reilly echoed this sentiment, saying, ‘It was really special. You could see how much it meant to Fil. Even after the game, he said something to the group, thanking everyone for their effort in coming here. It was a really nice gesture.’
Forsberg and fellow Swedish native Adam Wilsby worked tirelessly to make this week unforgettable for their teammates. From squeezing in every moment of their six days in Sweden to organizing special events, they ensured everyone felt the magic of the experience. While the week didn’t end as they’d hoped—a 4-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday followed a thrilling 2-1 overtime win on Friday—the joy of the journey outshone the disappointment.
‘For me and Willy, it would’ve been even sweeter to head home with another win, but overall, it’s been a great, great week,’ Forsberg said. Sunday also marked his 800th NHL game, adding another layer of significance to the occasion.
The highlight of the week came on Friday night, with just 70 seconds left in regulation. Forsberg scored the tying goal, unleashing a wave of emotion and joy that swept through the arena. Nashville went on to win in overtime, breaking a five-game losing streak. ‘The winner, the tie-er from last game—those are hard to beat,’ Forsberg said. ‘But we’ve had a lot of fun off the ice, too.’
One of those off-ice moments stood out in particular: a visit to Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, where Forsberg and O’Reilly met pediatric cancer patients. They signed autographs, and O’Reilly even played his guitar, bringing smiles to young faces. Forsberg also brought a group of 100 people, including 63 kids, from his hometown of Leksand to Stockholm for the Predators’ open practice. As part of the NHLPA Goals & Dreams program, a $20,000 donation of hockey equipment was made to Leksands IF Youth Hockey, further cementing Forsberg’s commitment to giving back.
For Wilsby, who grew up in Stockholm and still has family there, the week was equally special. ‘It’s been really cool, especially the moments after the games, seeing my family and sharing it with them,’ he said. ‘It’s a great way to connect with European fans and give back to them. For us players, it’s pretty special.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: While the experience was undeniably magical, the Predators’ on-ice performance left something to be desired. The 4-0 loss to the Penguins was a tough pill to swallow, and coach Andrew Brunette didn’t hold back his disappointment. ‘I think the traction we gained, we just let slip away,’ he said. ‘Especially in the first period, we didn’t execute the things we talked about. It’s a tough way to start a game, let alone give up three early goals.’
Yet, for Forsberg, this week was never just about the wins or losses. ‘It’s the most fun regular-season games I’ve played in my life,’ he said. ‘Being able to give back, see the Leksand kids after practice—all of that wouldn’t have been possible without us coming here. I’m very thankful for that.’
As the NHL Global Series wrapped up, one thing was clear: this experience was something the players, fans, and community would cherish forever. ‘It’s a great hockey country, and it was amazing to see the support,’ O’Reilly said. ‘Hopefully, there’s much more of this down the road.’
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Should the NHL host more Global Series events in hockey-loving countries like Sweden? Or do you think these games should remain primarily in North America? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your take!
