If a professional hockey player says Rockford is a great place to live there must be something to it. Double that if he openly says it during an interview with one of America's most read sports website. Rockford was a significant part of the interview/article which involved a sit-down at Greenfire on E. Riverside.

Chicago Blackhawk/Rockford IceHogs Defenseman Viktor Svendberg says down with a writer from The Athletic to talk about being signed by the Blackhawks but spending a majority of his time in Rockford. In fact, Vik's been living in Rockford for five years and he credits it to forming who he is a person.

“There’s no attraction to do stupid stuff so you can focus on the right stuff and get to Chicago,” Svedberg recalled being told.

While the interview with Svedberg was happening he enjoyed lunch at Greenfire, which is his favorite place to dine in town. And, naturally, the question of "why do you like living in Rockford" came up. His response was positive - something some Rockfordians need to pick up on.

“Rockford, a lot of people come to Rockford maybe think this is not a nice place,” said Svedberg, a Gothenburg, Sweden native. “To me, I love it. The rink is great. Chicago helps out with a lot of stuff. Food we get, breakfast is served every day, we get treated so well around the rink. Where we live is great. I have a nice house. My girlfriend and my dog are here. They can do whatever they want. A day like this is unbelievable to be in Rockford.

He didn't have one complaint about Rockford, though, it's shopping options.

“There is a mall, but it’s like decent,” he said. “You go there twice and you’ve seen it all.”

You can read the entire article here but all-in-all it's a great read. Sure, Rockford has its problems but it's all about making the best of where your life is right now - because it can always be worse.


Catch JB Love on ‘Q98.5 Mornings with Lil Zim & JB on Q98.5 from 5:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow him on TwitterInstagram, and Facebook.

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