When it comes to retiring in style, you can bet former Detroit Red Wings star Henrik Zetterberg knows how to make a splash. Instead of the traditional fishing or golf route, Zetterberg has taken a deep dive into the world of padel, a high-octane racquet sport that has been taking the world by storm. And he’s not alone – joining forces with former Red Wings teammates Niklas Kronwall and Gustav Nyquist, they have opened the biggest indoor padel facility in the Midwest: Zmash Padel in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
Now, what exactly is padel, you ask? It’s a mix of tennis, squash, racquetball, and platform tennis, played with a unique string-less bat inside plexiglass walls. It’s intense, to say the least. And for Zetterberg, who faced back injuries towards the end of his hockey career, padel is the perfect fit. It offers a great workout while being gentle on the back, and the entertainment factor is off the charts – players smashing balls off the glass and sneaking shots from all angles. It’s practically made for television, and no wonder it’s taken over Europe in a big way.
The team saw the potential for padel in Detroit and found the perfect spot: a massive warehouse space in Sterling Heights, which they transformed into a top-of-the-line facility. With stylish lobby furniture, luxury locker rooms, and cutting-edge courts, Zmash Padel is on a mission to make the sport accessible to all – and it’s already attracting players from diverse backgrounds and skill levels.
What sets padel apart? According to Zetterberg, it’s the fact that anyone can play – no racquet background required. It’s easy to learn, yet constantly challenges players to strategize each time they step onto the court. Its democratic appeal and inclusivity have made it a hit with athletes and enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds.
With its rave reviews and growing popularity, it’s no wonder that padel is poised to make a mark in the American sports scene. The United States Padel Association plans to bolster the number of courts to 30,000 by 2032, and clubs like Miami’s Ultra Padel are pushing the sport into the mainstream with 20 courts.
But for Zetterberg, it’s not just about the game – he has big plans for Zmash Padel, with dreams of expanding to more locations in Metro Detroit and beyond. It’s more than a business venture for Zetterberg – it’s a way to give back to the community and the city that he loves. And for Detroit, it seems like the padel fever is just getting started.
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