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Apologies Extended to Former Red Wings Captain Over Ceremony Disruptions
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- Apologies Extended to Former Red Wings Captain Over Ceremony Disruptions
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Dylan Larkin isn't the only former Detroit Red Wings captain hearing the boo birds recently. Henrik Zetterberg was also the victim of catcalls on the weekend.
At least in Zetterberg's case, it was the visiting fans who were booing him.
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What was supposed to be a night to remember for former Red Wings star Zetterberg has instead turned into a day of reckoning for a group of unruly Björklöven fans.
Zetterberg's No. 20 jersey was retired by his Swedish club Timra and hoisted into the arena rafters before Saturday's game against Björklöven.
Zetterberg honored by Timrå
Very cool presentation #LGRW #Timråik pic.twitter.com/RT0je7eOW3— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) October 17, 2026
However, the visiting Björklöven supporters sought to make a mockery of Zetterberg's shining moment. Throughout the ceremony, during recorded greetings from Zetterberg's peers and throughout his speech, there were catcalls and singing from the Björklöven fans.
Even the Björklöven team was embarrassed by the actions of their fans.
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"I think it's really sad, I'll be honest," Björklöven assistant coach Daniel Rahimi told Swedish website Expressen . "In Swedish hockey, we should show respect for those who have done great things.
"I hope that the few who started that go to bed and regret it."
Actually, they did come to regret it. A corporate sponsor of the Björklöven supporters club – known as the Green Devils – pulled its sponsorship of the group, saying their actions went against the company's core values.
Björklöven also issued an official apology to Zetterberg and his family.
"During the ceremony, some of our supporters acted disrespectfully towards Henrik Zetterberg and the event,' the apology read. "It is behavior that Björklöven distances itself from.
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"Björklöven regrets what happened."
Mistake Made in Banner Recognizing Former Red Wings Star
There was also a mistake on Zetterberg's banner that was raised to the rafters. It did not list the 2004-05 season as part of Zetterberg's Timra career. He played for that club that year when a lockout shut down the NHL .
Henrik Zetterberg, @DetroitRedWings titan gets his number raised to the rafters by Timrå. Well earned and nicely done!
(Joel Lundqvist at the 2nd half there also had his jersey in the rafters) #LGRW
pic.twitter.com/Otn5JeCwWU— Lars Thorsell (@LarsThorsell) October 17, 2026
"There has been a mistake from the supplier," Adam Sälg, communications manager for Timra, explained to Expressen. "These are things that happen.
Zetterberg didn't appear to let any of the disruptions spoil his enjoyment at the honor.
"It's a fantastic feeling," Zetterberg told Sweden's TV4. "It's not my favorite element to speak in front of an arena. But it was a wonderful experience.
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"Timra has had a big place in my heart. It's special to share this feeling with everyone here."
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