Henrik Lundqvist, known as “King Hank” from his tenure with the New York Rangers, signed a one-year deal with the Washington Capitals in late 2020 to extend his hockey career. However, just before the start of the 2020-2021 season, Lundqvist underwent open-heart surgery due to a leaky aortic valve. Despite returning to practice a month later, Lundqvist continued to experience heart issues, ultimately being diagnosed with recurrent pericarditis which caused him significant pain in his everyday life. Understanding the risks involved, Lundqvist made the difficult decision to retire from professional hockey.
While Lundqvist acknowledged that his retirement may not have been how he planned, he has come to find peace with the decision. He reflects on the blessings in disguise that his diagnosis brought, realizing that his final game was meant to be as a New York Ranger. Now working as an analyst for MSG Network and TNT, Lundqvist looks back on his career with gratitude for the memories, friendships, and passion that hockey gave him. Despite the challenges he continues to face due to his health condition, he sees his retirement as a reset in life.
Still dealing with flare-ups of his pericarditis, Lundqvist is actively sharing his story to raise awareness for the condition through a partnership with Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals. By participating in the “Life DisRPted” campaign, Lundqvist hopes to educate others about the impact of pericarditis on his own life and encourage those experiencing similar challenges to seek proper support and care from their doctors. He emphasizes the importance of finding happiness and strength in difficult moments, noting that everyone faces challenges and it’s crucial how one responds and copes with them.
Lundqvist’s involvement in the campaign is driven by a desire to help others facing similar health struggles, whether they are athletes or not. He recognizes the universal nature of facing unexpected challenges that can turn life upside down and believes in the power of finding positivity and resilience in such moments. Through his advocacy work and openness about his own experiences, Lundqvist hopes to provide support and guidance to those dealing with pericarditis or other life-disrupting conditions, emphasizing the importance of finding a good game plan for managing health challenges.
Despite having retired from professional hockey due to his health struggles, Lundqvist continues to have a positive outlook on life and remains grateful for his career and the opportunities it provided him. He sees his retirement as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others by sharing his story, raising awareness for pericarditis, and offering support to those facing similar challenges. Through his resilience and determination, Lundqvist is using his platform to help others navigate difficult times and find strength in adversity. His advocacy work underscores the importance of compassion, education, and understanding in supporting those dealing with health issues.
