NHL alum Markus Naslund to be honored at 2010 Compuware NHL Premiere Stockholm

NEW YORK -- The National Hockey League and National League Players' Association will honor NHL alum Markus Naslund with a special tribute and ceremonial puck drop featuring the Swedish forward on Friday, Oct. 8 during the opening night game of the 2010 Compuware NHL Premiere Stockholm at the Ericsson Globe Arena.

"I'm very honoured to be invited by the NHLPA and NHL to participate in the celebrations surrounding this year's Premiere Games," said Markus Naslund. "I enjoyed participating in the Premiere Games as a player and I'm looking forward to attending the upcoming games in Stockholm as a fan."

Naslund announced his retirement from the National Hockey League in May 2009, ending a memorable 15-year career which included a Lester B. Pearson Award (2003), five NHL All-Star Game appearances (1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004) and three NHL All-Star First Team selections (2002, 2003 and 2004).

Naslund was drafted by Pittsburgh in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. After three seasons as a Penguin, Naslund became a Canuck where he went on to become Vancouver's all-time leader in goals (346), game winning goals (49), power play goals (114) and points (756).During his time as a player, Naslund participated in two NHL European expeditions, the first being in 2000 as part of the Canucks' Stockholm-based training camp and two exhibition games versus Eliteserien Clubs, which was held at the Globe Arena as part of the NHL Challenge Stockholm, the predecessor to the Compuware NHL Premiere.On October, 4, 2008, Naslund made his debut as a New York Ranger for his final season at the 2008 Bridgestone NHL Premiere™ in Prague, Czech Republic.

The San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets will open their seasons in Europe at the 2010 Compuware NHL Premiere™ Stockholm with home-and-home games Friday, Oct. 8 (Versus, TSN, ESPN America, TV 10, Viasat Sports HD and Viasat Hockey) and Saturday, Oct. 9 (ESPN America, Viasat Sports HD and Viasat Hockey) in Stockholm, Sweden at the Ericsson Globe Arena.Both games will be played at 9:00 p.m. Central European Time.  Limited tickets are still available.

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