Daniel Alfredsson’s Swedish Family Did Not Think He Would Become A Professional Hockey Player, Especially His Parents

Hasse and Margareta Alfredsson are the proud parents of Daniel Alfredsson. They live in Gothenburg, Sweden.

For ten years, his father acted as his hockey coach. When he was ready to be a professional player, Daniel did not want to be coached by his father anymore.

Daniel was only seven when he expressed his desire to play hockey professionally in a school essay. He was three when he started being keen on sports. His father recently claimed his family did not believe Daniel would play professional hockey. They thought it was only a hobby.

Daniel Alfredsson recently thanked his parents, who helped him shape his hockey career. He was recently inductees into the Hockey Hall of Fame at an event in Toronto Friday, November 11, 2022. The same night, his father also recalled some moments with his son.

Hasse Alfredsson made a moving statement about his son at Daniel Alfredsson’s 1,000th NHL game while he was in Ottawa.

The proud dad said: “The biggest thing you’re proud of is when you see a son always standing on his feet, who doesn’t climb too high,” Hasse continued: “If you climb too high, you fall too hard. He’s always staying on the ground. That’s good.”

In the meantime, Alfredsson thanked father Hasse for always being there and teaching not just hockey but a variety of sports as well. In addition, he gave tribute to the coaches from his early years who had encouraged him to be creative while playing sports.

As quoted on City News, the NHL star said, “I was drafted at the age of 21 in the 6th round, and some might say if I had focused solely on hockey, I might have been drafted earlier.” He continued. “But playing multiple sports while growing up is what made my career possible. “

Some of the most poignant thanks were also given to his mother, Margareta Alfredsson. Daniel said his beloved mother suffered through multiple sclerosis for much of her life and passed away last year. 

Since his mother used a wheelchair for 30 years, Daniel also has a special place in his heart for those with disabilities.

When a reporter once questioned Daniel about his knee injury, he shared a story of his mother, who required a wheelchair to get around. Margareta almost started crying when she learned that Daniel had cited her as an inspiration.

Alfredsson also attributes his success to his family, which includes his younger brother Henric, a former player for the Ottawa 67’s who now works for the Ottawa Police Services, and sister Cecilia in Sweden.

Daniel Alfredsson’s brother, Henric Alfredsson, works for the Ottawa Police Service. Henrik was a hockey player born in Sweden on April 01, 1979.

The 43-year-old is retired from his playing career, but he was recognized for his technical abilities. His height is 180 cm / 5’11”, and he has represented Sweden in international tournaments. 

From 1996 to 1998, Henric played for Västra Frölunda HC J20. He then joined Ottawa 67’s and returned to his hometown playing for Göteborgs IK and IF Mölndal Hockey. However, it was in Canada he made big names.

Henric appeared for 62 games with the Ottawa 67, where he netted 22 goals and provided 18 assists. He also won the CHL Memorial Cup Championship in the 1998-1999 season. 

Daniel’s brother decided to remain in Ottawa once his junior hockey career with the 67’s was over. Nevertheless, the brothers always give time to each other. Very recently, Henric also appeared during Daniel’s induction ceremony.

Daniel was always a born leader who protected his younger siblings like a young NHL captain in training. His father has said: “He always picked on guys that were mean to his sister. And he didn’t care if they were stronger or older than him. He was always protective of his younger siblings.”

Alfredsson also has a very loving sister, Cecilia, who is proud of her brother getting an induction into the Hall of Fame. He is the tenth NHL player ever chosen in the sixth round or later to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Cecilia resides in Carolina, Rediviva. She works as a Librarian at University Libraries in the Scholarly Communication Division.

Daniel Alfredsson was raised in a family of hockey lovers. Many of his family members have played sports, including his brothers.

His parents installed three big things in their family of five: work hard, be honest and be kind. Values were very important to them.

Alfredsson is married to his long-time girlfriend, Birgitta Backman. They tied the knot on 31s of July 2004. In addition, they are the parents of William Erik Alfredsson, Hugo, Loui, and Fenix.

During the recent induction ceremony, Daniel said about his wife, “I was lucky to meet the love of my life when I was 20 years old. Bibbi, we’ve raised four beautiful boys, Hugo, Loui, Fenix and William. I love you and am so proud of all of you.”

He continued: “Bibbi, you’ve always been there for us. You’re in my wife and mom hall of fame. I love you and I wouldn’t be here without you guys, that’s for sure.” 

Currently, the couple splits their time between Ottawa and his Swedish hometown of Sario.

The NHL star’s son is also inclined towards hockey. His sons, Hugo and Loui, are playing in the Ottawa Sting minor hockey system.

Daniel has been Loui’s team’s head coach for the past two years, while Henric has been an assistant. So they were surprised to receive the call from the Swedish federation, but they were eager to take over the squad in these trying times.

In 2010, Alfredsson’s mural was all around Ottawa. Then, he was the hero of the country’s hockey side. Today he dreams of seeing his four sons in the top divisions of hockey. He wants all his children to succeed in the profession and someday represent Sweden.

We can learn more about the NHL legend family via his Instagram handle, @dalfredsson11.