Nicklas Backstrom is formally a two-sport athlete.
On Friday, Backstrom participated in the NHL Trotting Challenge at Gävletravet, a horse-racing observe in his hometown of Gävle, Sweden. He competed in opposition to fellow NHLers Elias Lindholm (CGY) and Calle Jarnkrok (TOR) in a tandem harness race, pulled by a horse in a wheeled cart together with a experienced jockey.
Though Jarnkrok took the win this time, Backstrom took the loss in stride.
“It’s of class a bummer, but I have to say it was a hell of an expertise,” Backstrom mentioned, as translated by Matilda Wrigsjö. It is exceptionally enjoyable, it is rapid, and we got a feel for the weather a very little as well… Bought a very little dirty, it was really enjoyment I considered.”
Gävletravet posted a video of the total race and subsequent interviews on YouTube. Backstrom was paired with jockey Oskar Kylin Blom and horse Across the Globe, but the three swiftly tumble driving Lindholm and Jarnkrok.
Irrespective of the loss, Backstrom enjoyed the race plenty of to enable Jarnkrok gloat in excess of his have gain.
“That’s completely okay with me,” Backstrom explained. “I relished every 2nd [of it].”
All a few of the racers performed for Brynas IF prior to signing up for the NHL, although Backstrom’s tenure arrived many years in advance of either Lindholm’s or Jarnkrok’s. Backstrom has also performed with equally whilst representing Sweden on the international phase, and the pair attended his wedding ceremony past summertime.
Even right before Friday, Backstrom wasn’t a complete stranger to the globe of horse racing. His particular firm, NickBack Devote AB, lists horse trotting as a concentration. Nonetheless, none of the three NHL gamers had any genuine encounter on the monitor prior to the race.
Now, Backstrom’s now wanting forward to subsequent year’s rematch.
“I have to have to seem for a greater horse.”
Interview Transcript
Thanks to Matilda Wrigsjö for the translation.
Interviewer: I guess that stings a minimal? [After applauding the winner]
Nicklas Backstrom: Yeah, it is of class a bummer, but I have to say it was a hell of an encounter. It is unbelievably enjoyment, it’s quick, and we acquired a really feel for the temperature a tiny as well… Got a very little filthy, it was incredibly exciting I assumed.
Interviewer: Yeah, how did you feel when the horse galloped?
Nicklas Backstrom: I mentioned “What the hell, Oskar?! Get it together”
Interviewer: Specifically, you can blame the a single in the back again!
Nicklas Backstrom: Accurately.
Interviewer: He’s the one who trains [the horse] as well, you can usually blame them… and then what? When the race was more than?
Nicklas Backstrom: There wasn’t a complete good deal for us to do. Generally seeing the duel between Calle and Elias. Then Calle took off at 300 [mark]. It was entertaining for Calle to win, he did great.
Interviewer: Haha, yeah it was enjoyment for Calle to earn. He promised to provide it up every single day now.
Nicklas Backstrom: Yeah, he can do that. That is definitely okay with me. I loved every single 2nd [of it].
Interviewer: Are you likely to search for revenge upcoming summertime?
Nicklas Backstrom: Yeah, I need to have to seem for a better horse.
Interviewer: Yeah you will have to do that. And a far better driver?
Nicklas Backstrom: No, I’m retaining him.
Interviewer: All right you’re sticking with Oskar. That seems good. Well, it has been enjoyable owning you listed here!
Nicklas Backstrom: Tremendous enjoyment to be a section of it. Thanks a whole lot.
Interviewer: Give him a significant spherical of applause, even if it didn’t go that nicely for him in the race. Nicklas Bäckström
Screenshot: @gavletravet
