From Long Island to Team Sweden, Holmstrom and Heineman's Friendship Keeps Growing
On Emil Heineman and Simon Holmstrom's solid season and off-ice friendship
By Rachel Luscher NewYorkIslanders.com May 15, 2026 Link copied Simon Holmstrom and Emil Heineman’s friendship is evident just from watching them play two-touch, the keep-up soccer game most teams use as a pre-game warmup.
The two Swedes are fiercely competitive with each other in the circle of New York Islanders teammates – with Holmstrom taking pride in showing off his soccer skills.
"He hates losing in the two-touch soccer before games,” Heineman said. “He complains all the time about when I win. If get him, he's so frustrated. If he gets me... I mean it didn't happen this year, but if he ever gets me, he would let me know."
Heineman jokes about it, but Holmstrom played a big role in Heineman settling into the Islanders organization – and Long Island itself – when he was acquired by the Isles last offseason.
Holmstrom helped Heineman move into his apartment and drove him around to help him acclimate. The three Swedes – Holmstrom, Heineman and defenseman Adam Boqvist – lived in the same apartment complex, so it was a comfortable environment for Heineman to get off to a strong start with his new team.
"We connected right away,” Heineman said. “We had a lot of fun this year, with all the Swedes, we’re a tight group. Guys have been unreal here. It's a bit different when you're from the same country and speak the same language. They've been awesome, for sure."
Heineman had a breakout season with a career-high 22 goals and 31 points, surpassing the 18 points (10G, 8A) he recorded with Montreal in the season prior. The 24-year-old has a sneaky good shot, acknowledged and praised by his teammates and coaches, but worked on becoming a well-rounded player. Heineman quickly became part of the Islanders’ special teams, scoring four power-play goals and logging 46:42 TOI shorthanded.
Heineman’s health also played a role in his season. He overcame an injury from a pedestrian accident in his rookie season with Montreal, so he was healthy and hoping for a fresh start and a new home when he arrived on Long Island, which he got.