So a World Championship semifinal against the USA (Saturday at 14:20) should suit the Montreal forward.
In the quarterfinal win against the Czech Republic, there was jubilation from the stands at the Globen when he handed out two huge hits in one shift.
The second one was against the Czech superstar David Pastrnak.
He says he took in the jubilation from the stands.
Yeah, a bit. It was heard, so it was fun, says the 23-year-old former Leksand player.
So did he have an eye on who he hit?
Yeah, I saw it afterwards, he says.
"Not to chase"
He shrugs a bit when his physical play is highlighted. Doesn't make a big deal out of it and explains:
I've always been physical in my play wherever I've played. Always thought it's been fun with that part, it's an important part. A way to win the puck, I don't do it just to run around and chase people, but for me, it's a way to win the puck and create offense.
Heineman is playing his first World Championship and was a bit of a dark horse when he was selected. Now he's made a name for himself.
The World Championship has been a high so far.
I've felt really good since I got here, really easy to get into the group, really great guys on the team. It shows that we're playing for each other, he says.
Heineman plays in the fourth line, uses his physicality, and works extremely hard. One goal has been the result so far.
Last in line for food
What's his role outside the ice?
I'm a rookie in this group. It's my first World Championship, you have to wait for your turn in food and so on. The older guys take care of us.
There's talk of a tough but loving treatment.
It's a bit of "tough love" from (Mikael) Backlund. He's in charge and takes care of us a bit, says Heineman about the 36-year-old veteran from Calgary, team captain in Tre Kronor's gold team 2018.
Who's first in line for food?
It's Backlund.
Tre Kronor's team consists of experienced players who have passed the 30-year mark.
Something to lean on in the gold hunt.
There are strong pillars to lean on in these kinds of matches. They help us a lot and have done so during these weeks. They're good players and leaders too, it's needed now.
About the USA, he says:
It's going to be fun, a challenge for us, they have a "skilled" team. It's going to be exciting, interesting, and stimulating.
Semifinals (Saturday):
Sweden–USA (14:20).
Switzerland–Denmark (18:20).
Medal matches (Sunday):
Bronze match (15:20).
Final (20:20).
