Interview: Henrik Lundqvist, Hockey Star and TAG Heuer Brand Ambassador

Olympic record setter, multi-award winning star NHL hockey player, Henrik Lundqvist is easily one of the best goalies in the world. The 35-yar-old Swedish professional goaltender for the New York Rangers is the only goalie in National Hockey League history to have recorded 10 30-win seasons out of his first 11 seasons. Nicknamed “King Henrik” by Rangers fans, Lundqvist not only aggressively defends the goal on the ice, but also makes some pretty intense plays out of the rink, as well.

In addition to his professional career in hockey, he and his wife established the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation in 2014 to benefit children and families in need. He can often be found making speeches or announcements on behalf of this charitable cause. Lundqvist is also one of the key brand ambassadors for TAG Heuer’s “Don’t Crack Under Pressure” campaign.

According to Lundqvist, the campaign is all about doing your best at what you do. “ I think it’s interesting because it doesn’t necessarily mean winning, but rather ensuring that you give every effort you can to prepare and execute at the highest level, whether that’s on the ice, at home with my family, or with the work we do at the Foundation,” says Lundqvist. “You are always going to face adversity in every area of life, so not cracking means that when those times come, you are prepared, and you deal with them confidently and with grace.”

Grace seems to be something Lundqvist has mastered. His reputation as a team player, a leader and an all-around ‘good guy’ with strong integrity is untarnished, and is even spattered with humility. When I asked him what the biggest challenge he faces is, his answer was to remember how lucky he is.

“I try to appreciate every moment along the way. It’s easy to get distracted by the training, and the treatment, and the travel, and to forget that at the end of the day I am living every kid’s dream — my childhood dream — of playing hockey and being a professional athlete. I try to remember and really appreciate that every day, even on the tough days,” says Lundqvist. “ I like to tell kids all the time that even though it is a cliché, there is no substitute in life for hard work. If you work hard, good things usually come your way.”

In addition to his profession, brand ambassador roles, charities and more, Lundqvist is also a husband and father. With all of these commitments, his time is naturally valuable.

Read the entire interview on Watch Journal to learn more about how time plays a role in his private and professional life, and to find out more about his watch collectiong and relationship with TAG Heuer and the brand’s “Don’t Crack Under Pressure” campaign.

NHL Hockey Player Henrik Lundqvist wears, among others, this TAG Heuer Aquaracer Automatic Chronograph 300 meter with caliber 16 movement and ceramic bezel.