Coyotes Captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson on Cancer Research, Custom Sneakers, and More
On April 19, Arizona Coyotes Captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson and three of his teammates will arrive for their match from the Minnesota Wild with some extremely distinctive footwear: Personalized sneakers made by J. Pierce, a regional artist who’s also built products for other large-wattage stars, including LeBron James and Samuel L. Jackson. It is all element of Hockey Fights Most cancers Evening, and the footwear will be auctioned to increase money for cancer study. A famously classy male off the ice (verify out his patterned suits) Ekman-Larsson is a all-natural in shape for the event, and we not too long ago caught up with him pretty much to discuss about his style and why Hockey Fights Cancer Night time is so essential to him and the rest of the group.
“It’s a unique night for all of us,” he tells Men’s Journal.
As an group, the Coyotes have a monitor report of boosting awareness all-around cancer study. As part of that effort, the team signed Leighton Accardo, an eight-calendar year-aged lady battling most cancers, to a agreement in 2019. Though she handed absent in 2020, her energy and resilience proceed to have a robust impression on the crew.
“She’s this kind of a massive component of what we do,” says Ekman-Larsson. “I learned a good deal just staying about her.”
Most cancers hits notably near to property for the 29-year-outdated defenseman: His mother also passed absent from the condition. Hockey Fights Most cancers Night is a prospect for him to honor her memory as nicely.
Though Ekman-Larsson could not expose just what his personalized-intended sneakers will appear like, the blend of a talented artist and a type-savvy player must make for some eye-catching kicks. When we talked about his design and style, even though, Ekman-Larsson was amazingly modest.
“I do not truly emphasis on it,” he claims, “I’m quite straightforward when it will come to outfits.”
Just one trend accent you will not see him wearing exterior the locker area: The coyote pelt that goes to the Coyotes participant who will make the most significant influence on the ice. It’s been handed all-around for many years, says Ekman-Larsson, and it reportedly carries quite the stench.
“It’s pretty lousy,” he states.
In another digital job interview, we also spoke with Ekman-Larsson about his most important tattoo (a tribute to his mother), the greatest-dressed participant in the NHL, and additional.
Just one point we learned: Preserve your Swedish meatball jokes for anyone else. If he hears just one extra, he could possibly just burst into tears.
Examine out equally interviews in the videos above, and really do not overlook Ekman-Larsson (and his footwear) at Hockey Fights Cancer Evening on April 19.