Ice Hockey, Alexander Reichenberg | Gathered in grief: – Like losing a brother

(Gudbrandsdølen dawning): It was pitch black in Eidsiva Arena, Sunday evening. In the silent darkness, Alexander Reichenberg’s teammates had gathered in the dressing room.

They rallied to get over the shock. The shock of losing his dear friend and fellow player.

– It is completely incomprehensible. It’s just really sad. This is Lillehammer’s greatest ice hockey talent, says captain Christian Fosse.

Large profile

Reichenberg had put behind him his best season in senior hockey ever. The interest in the technically brilliant player was intense both from domestic and foreign clubs.

Then came the message from Lillehammer ice hockey club that has shaken the whole of Hockey-Norway:

“It is with great sadness that Lillehammer Ice Hockey Club has today received the news of Alexander Reichenberg’s passing. Alexander has been one of Lillehammer’s biggest profiles throughout the newspaper.

It is unbelievably sad to think that he will never get to hear the audience’s tactful shouts in Eidsiva Arena and that we who sat in the stands will not get to see the player with the big smile, the extra feint or the hard hitting shot from the drop circle in the power play. Rest in Peace, No. 61»

– It has been a very heavy and sad Sunday

Remember the mate

One by one the players came into the dressing room and gave each other warm hugs. Tears welled up as they talked about their good friend.

– It is difficult to understand. It doesn’t work for us. We are like a family, who take care of each other. This is like losing a brother, says Fosse.

Also read: Ice hockey player Alexander Reichenberg (31) has died

They have grown up with Reichenberg as a teammate and friend. They have shared hours of time on the ice and in the dressing room.

– Suddenly it’s over.

Didn’t think it was true

It was Fosse, who is captain in LIK, who was first informed by the club that his teammate had passed away. A message was then sent out to the rest of the team.

– I didn’t think it was true. I was completely exhausted and couldn’t do anything, says Robin Soudsky.

The players had to gather. Gather in the longing and in the shock.

– We want to send our condolences to the family from the whole team, concludes Fosse.

Unreal

Leader of the sports committee in LIK, Lars Bergseng, was informed of Reichenberg’s passing on Sunday morning.

– It was a completely unreal message to receive. He has had one of his best seasons ever and seemed very eager for another season. I have known Alex for many years and I am completely put out, he says.

– What has Reichenberg meant to Lillehammer Ice Hockey Club?

– An indescribable amount. He is one of the greatest entertainers we have had. A showman on and off the ice. A crowd favorite, says Bergseng.

– Always gave everything

The news of the sudden passing is received with disbelief by those who follow the club most closely. Alexander Reichenberg was loved by the supporters at Lillehammer. The news of his death is received with great sorrow by them.

– It was a good thing I sat down when I got the message, because it was a shock to get the news. This is a very sad day for the whole of Lillehammer, says Roger Opsalhagen who is the leader of the Patriotene, the supporters’ club of LIK

He is aware that Alexander Reichenberg has meant a great deal to the club.

– Alexander was a little hammer boy and gave everything when he played for us. It was also always nice to meet him off the ice. He knew how to appreciate us supporters.

He also brings up a big highlight he remembers from Alexsander’s LIK career.

– When he scored one and had three assists in the Hockey Classic in 2018 and we beat Storhamar by a full margin in Håkons Hall. That’s how we remember him as a player. He had that little something extra, says Opsalhagen.