Nikolaj Ehlers expressed surprise and joy at seeing his father, former national coach Heinz Ehlers, exuberantly celebrating his goal against Canada. The celebration was captured on television and quickly spread on social media.

Ehlers noted how much the victory means for ice hockey in Denmark and how touching it was to witness his father’s uncharacteristic display of emotion. He emphasized that his father’s support extends beyond him personally, encompassing the entire team’s success.

Heinz Ehlers, known for his composed demeanor during his five-year tenure as national coach, couldn’t contain his excitement as the Danish team achieved a historic feat. Nikolaj Ehlers said he had never seen his father act like that before.

Heinz Ehlers previously led the national team to the quarter-finals at the 2022 Winter Olympics before stepping down in 2023, handing the coaching position to Mikael Gath.