Jesper Boqvist, 26, won the Stanley Cup with his Florida Panthers earlier in the summer and he got the chance to visit his hometown with the trophy. But it almost came to a stop: when the legendary bowl got stuck in customs at Arlanda. After a little over an hour's delay, it finally reached the celebration in Dalarna.
It's a cool experience to be able to be here at home in Hedemora and that so many people came, it's special, says the Swedish NHL forward to TT.
The celebration included speeches from municipal councillors and local sports leaders, autograph signing, candy rain and a draw for a signed club. In the evening, the celebration is expected to continue with a private party. Jesper Boqvist says that he will stay in Sweden for the rest of the summer.
I've been home for a little over a month and will return at the beginning of September, he says.
Boqvist's teammate Gustav Forsling, who had the chance to show off the Stanley Cup trophy in his hometown Linköping, chose to abstain because he and his wife are expecting a child and are staying in the USA.
