Anders Hedberg honoured to be back in Winnipeg for Jets' Hall of Fame induction

It's been nearly four decades sinceAnders Hedbergcarved his way down theice in a Jets jersey, and he says it will bean honour to return to Winnipeg this week when he'll get a chance to reflect on the old days and accept an award from his former team.

"I get goose pimples all over me thinking of the celebration of hockey and coming back to Winnipeg, it's going to be terrific," hesaid.

Hedberg was considered one of the fastest skaters on the planet andplayed alongsideUlf Nilsson and Bobby Hull on the "Hot Line" in the 1970s a linetouted as one of thebest ever assembled in professional hockey in North America.

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Hedberg and his formerlinemateswill be inducted into theJets' new Hall of Fame WednesdayasWinnipegtakes on the Toronto Maple Leafs. The trio will be the first to receivethe honour.

"You can imagine the feeling of knowing that there will be unbelievable talent and good players following us, but to be the first, it feels very, very special," Hedberg said.

Though he now lives inStockholm,Hedbergwas born inrnskldsvik, Sweden.Growing up in a small community,Hedbergsaid hockey played a very important role during his formative years.

Heplayed with the World Hockey Association incarnation of the Jets from 1974 to 1978, and was named rookie of the year at the end of his first season.

After his time in Winnipeg, Hedbergwent on to play for the New York Rangers for seven seasons, retiring in 1985.

'Wonderful experience' in Winnipeg

He said the time spent with the Jets was a "wonderful experience" that changed him for the better.

"It was four years of friendship.We became Winnipeggers in many ways," he said.

Winnipeg always belonged in the big leaguesbecause of the connection and the interest [in]the game.- Anders Hedberg

"I have been thankful the rest of my life.I spent all my life in hockey one way or another, and the four years in Winnipeg affordedme wonderful experiences and was certainly a perfect start for myself," he said.

Hedberghas kept in touch with some of his former teammates over the years. He said many will bein Winnipeg for the Heritage Classic thiscoming weekend,adding it will be like a reunion.

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The legends game also takes place on the weekend and will see the likes of Teemu Selanne and Wayne Gretzkylace up the skates. Hedbergis content to take in the game from the stands and reflect on the glory days.

"I can still skate, but I think there should be some younger guys playing," he said. "I am perfectly fine not playing."

Whileheended his career with the Jets before the team made the leap from the WHA to the NHL in 1979, Hedberg said he always knew Winnipeg would becalled up to the "major leagues."

"Winnipeg always belonged in the big leaguesbecause of the connection and the interest [in]the game," Hedberg said.

"Winnipeg certainly deserved to have a team in the national hockey league and they certainly would have had it without Ulf, and Anders and even Bobby."

Hedbergscored 100 points or more each season he played with the Jets, putting up a total of 236 goals and 222 assists over four years in Winnipeg.

On top of hisinduction into the Winnipeg Jets Hall of Fame, Hedberg has previously been inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame, Swedish Hockey Hall of Fame and Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame.