Eastern Conference Eye Candy: Henrik Lundqvist (New York Rangers)

HOCKEY FACTOR:
Lundqvist is a pretty loyal goalie considering he was drafted 7th in the 2000 entry draft by the New York Rangers (205th overall) and signed a six-year extension with the team back in February 2008 (reportedly for a total of $41.25 million which made him the highest paid goaltender in the NHL "on average over the length of his contract"!). So, what, that'll be around 14 years with the same organization?! Considering some players change teams like they change socks, I'd say that's pretty loyal (and pretty cool)!

He began his professional career in the Swedish Elite League with the Florunda Frölunda HC (junior hockey), oddly enough, the same year he was drafted in 2000; however, he continued to play in Sweden until making his NHL debut in 2005 (IDK - it feels like he's been playing in the league longer than that for some strange reason). Prior to that, he had only played nine games with Sweden's "second tier" before joining the junior team, Florunda Frölunda.

Henrik has also represented Sweden on more than one occasion performing quite well as he helped them win silver in two Ice Hockey World Championships in 2003 & 2004 as well as led the country to a gold medal in the 2006 Olympics as the starting goaltender for Team Sweden.

HOTNESS FACTOR:
If you haven't noticed, allow me to point out to you that Henrik Lundqvist is a WHOLE LOTTA PRETTY, ladies, and he has the cutest accent which seem to come from his leaving just a hint left of his own Swedish accent. He is the identical twin of his brother Joel who is also a professional hockey player and plays center for the Dallas Stars (which I find slightly "creepy," but I know some women find sexy [*cough - Kena - cough*], I'm not one to judge anyway and "whatever blows wind up your skirt" is what I always say! ; P

He was recently crowned "The World's Sexiest Ice Man" by Page Six Magazine - I can't argue with that (OK, I CAN and WILL -- ever hear of Sidney Crosby, Page Six Magazine??!!!)!!!

Like alot of other NHL players, Lundqvist has his own webpage (http://henrik-lundqvist.com/) that includes a blog which hasn't been updated since October of last year.

He has a longtime girlfriend whom he's been dating since just after high school. She's a fellow Swede (and pretty blond) - Therese Andersson.

"She's been with me since I was a pro in Sweden. It's good to have her as support because she knows what it's all about," he says of his blonde paramour and fellow Swede.

Some of Henrik's favorites:

• TV show: House (he enjoys the dialogue)
• Movie: Gladiator ("great soundtrack and picture")
• Candy bar: Mars bar
• Season: spring
• Bands: Foo Fighters, Hakan Hellstrom (Swedish), Lars Winnerback (Swedish)
• Song: My Hero - Foo Fighters
• Drink: Coke and Vitamin Water

OK -- so there's just TOO DAMN MANY sexy pics of Henrik and you'll just have to bear with me while I post the rest of them here!!! : P