Conversations About My Father: Henrik Lundqvist

A few weeks ago I set out to engage people in a conversation about their fathers. Through the experience the depth of emotions provoked in talking about "dad" struck me and the powerful sentiments stirred by distant memories seemed to surprise even those who were sharing their stories. The discussions were often deeply personal and I am grateful to all of those who shared glimpses of their fathers. I hope you enjoy the collection of stories and that you share your own Father's day story in the comments thread.

Rangers All-Star Goalie Henrik Lundqvist spent time with me to talk about his dad and Father's Day. Growing up in Sweden with his twin brother, he described his dad as being "the rock" of the family. Although Henrik's father Peter was the local ski instructor, he wasn't disappointed that his boys were more interested in hockey than skiing and nurtured their passion by driving them to countless practices. Henrik describes his father as having a remarkable ability to bring people together, and says there is no way he would be where he is today without his father's support. Recalling with fondness how his parents always wanted him and his brother to "just have fun" and how "they never gave us pressure to perform" -- the man who led Sweden to the 2006 Olympic gold medal says he always tries to let both his parents know how much they mean to him.