Patrick Thoresen, a seasoned 41-year-old hockey veteran, emerges from the locker room fifteen minutes after the final buzzer, ready to face the post-game questions. The sting of defeat is palpable, yet years of experience at the elite level have equipped him with the composure to handle such setbacks. He acknowledges the disappointment, noting their struggle to capitalize on scoring opportunities despite not playing a particularly poor game. He also credits the opposing goaltender, Victor Brattström, for a standout performance. Thoresen’s vast experience provides a valuable perspective, allowing him to analyze the game beyond the immediate frustration of the loss.
Thoresen’s hockey journey began over two decades ago, with his first appearance for Djurgården during the 2003/04 season. Initially on loan from Mörrum, a team in the Allsvenskan league, he spent the following two seasons as a full-time Djurgården player. His career subsequently took him to the NHL and the Russian league, accumulating years of top-tier competition before returning to Djurgården for the 2015/16 season. This stint was widely perceived as his farewell tour, a sentiment he himself shared. After a year playing in Switzerland, he returned to his native Norway and his original club, Storhamar, seemingly to conclude his illustrious career.
However, fate intervened in the form of Niklas Wikegård, the new sporting director for Djurgården. Wikegård, recognizing the immense value of Thoresen’s experience, successfully lured him back to Stockholm for what Thoresen describes as a ”perfect last hurrah.” Driven by a desire to impart his accumulated knowledge, energy, and experience, Thoresen envisions a triumphant end to his career, culminating in a victory in his final game. This ultimate goal translates to leading Djurgården back to the SHL, the highest tier of Swedish hockey, a compelling ambition that fuels his final chapter in Stockholm.
Wikegård’s pursuit of Thoresen was strategically motivated. Djurgården’s roster features a promising cohort of 17 and 18-year-old players, including the highly touted Victor Eklund, who made his return in the derby after competing in the World Juniors in Canada. Thoresen’s vast experience serves as a crucial stabilizing force within this youthful dynamic. He embraces the opportunity to mentor these young talents, reflecting on the unique experience of playing alongside players the age of his own children, a 22-year-old daughter and an 18-year-old son. He describes the situation as ”special,” but also ”very fun,” emphasizing the rejuvenating effect these younger teammates have on him.
The interplay between Thoresen’s veteran presence and the youthful energy of his teammates forms a compelling narrative within the Djurgården team. His leadership and guidance are invaluable assets for the developing players, while their enthusiasm and drive maintain a vibrant atmosphere within the team. This blend of experience and youth provides a unique dynamic, creating a learning environment for the younger players while simultaneously keeping Thoresen engaged and energized. This symbiotic relationship underscores the value of intergenerational mentorship in professional sports.
Looking ahead, Djurgården must quickly shift their focus from the derby loss and prepare for their upcoming away game against Västerås. While the sting of defeat lingers, the team must adopt a forward-thinking approach, utilizing the lessons learned from the derby to improve their performance. Thoresen’s experience and leadership will be instrumental in guiding the team through this process, ensuring they maintain their focus and determination as they strive to achieve their ultimate goal of promotion to the SHL. The journey back to the top league promises to be challenging, but with a blend of veteran wisdom and youthful exuberance, Djurgården remains a team to watch.
