Zetterberg talks photo shoots, what’s next, at Warrior event

Henrik Zetterberg was all smiles during his day with Warrior Hockey on Sept. 19. (Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey)

By Michael Caples –

MADISON HEIGHTS – Despite the NHL season being put on hold, there’s still work to be done for Henrik Zetterberg.

The Red Wings’ star forward traveled to the 2SP training facility in Madison Heights on Sept. 18 to be a part of a photo and video shoot with Warrior Hockey. Zetterberg, who is one of the top athletes to represent the Warren-based hockey company, took the Warrior cameras through a typical workout session, then sat down with the company for video interviews.

“I think it’s a normal day,” Zetterberg said afterwards. “This is what we do when we do stuff – we have fun, it goes quick, and you know, I have a lot of fun.”

The Wings’ assistant captain – he is expected to take over the ‘C’ when the season begins – spent roughly four hours with the Warrior group, laughing and sharing stories between video segments. Zetterberg appeared to enjoy the entire experience, which was no surprise to Christine Knight, brand manager for Warrior Hockey.

A photo of the custom labeling Zetterberg has on each of his Warrior hockey sticks, to remember Stefan Liv, Ruslan Salei, and Brad McCrimmon, his Red Wings friends lost in the Lokomotiv tragedy. (Photos by Michael Caples/MiHockey)

“This is not our first time working with him, and he’s always been a really accommodating, friendly, outgoing guy any time that we’ve requested time with him,” Knight said. “You can tell he comes from kind of humble beginnings in Sweden and he comes from a small town. I think that’s the really impressive thing about him in person, really just how humble he is, not only about being one of the most recognizable NHL athletes and how he handles that, but how he plays the game, too.

“He really takes pride in being a two-way player, he’s not a flashy guy; on the ice he gets it done, game after game, that’s what he really takes pride in his game, which is why for us, he’s such an amazing athlete, in our hometown, and such a great match for our brand.”

Zetterberg said that he’s learned to have fun with all aspects of his job, including events like photo shoots.

“I think you have to [have fun with it], otherwise it won’t be fun,” Zetterberg said. “It’s a part of it, if you don’t do too much of it, I think you can actually enjoy it.”

He did admit, however, that it’s still a little strange to work out with a camera crew following him around.

“You know, it is, but I had a real good trainer here today,” Zetterberg said. “We went through all the steps and it’s a beautiful facility here, so everything was easy.”

As far as hockey goes, Zetterberg and the rest of the Wings decided to take a week off from working out collectively.

“Basically we took this week off, and then next week we’re back at it again,” Zetterberg said. “We’re going to skate up in Troy for a bit, and then just see what happens.”

The native of Njurunda, Sweden, said he is still considering returning to his homeland during the lockout with wife Emma Andersson, however.

“I’m staying home, we’ll see how long we’re going to stay,” Zetterberg said. “Hopefully we can find a fair deal soon, and get the season started. If not, we might go over to Europe somewhere and play.”