‘I’m really excited to be a dad’: Husso recounts hectic journey to be with wife, first child

DETROIT -- While the Detroit Red Wings were en route to Stockholm, Sweden on Nov. 12, Ville Husso started planning his return to Detroit upon learning his wife, Hayley, was in labor.

“We were on the plane still when I got the call,” Husso said after Monday’s optional practice at Little Caesars Arena’s BELFOR Training Center. “There were a couple hours left (on the flight), then we got to Sweden, went straight to the rink and practiced. A quick practice, went back to the hotel, had dinner with the guys and then I had a taxi (to the airport) at 3:30 a.m. (on Nov. 13).”

Although Husso couldn’t be with his wife when she gave birth to the couple’s first child - a daughter named Emmi Marie - the Red Wings goalie joined the moment via FaceTime.

“The baby came at like 3:10 a.m. Swedish time, so it was all getting back to the lobby and jumping in a taxi at the same time the baby was coming,” Husso said. “It was a little hectic there but at the end of the day, the baby is healthy and that’s all that matters. Mom is doing good too.”

Husso said the first thing he heard on the video call was his newborn daughter crying.

“I kind of blacked out there a little bit,” Husso said about that special moment.

According to Husso, an eagerness to see his family made the eight-plus-hour flight back home feel faster.  

“I tried to get some sleep,” Husso said. “I was just ready to come here and get to the hospital. I knew the hospital people were taking care of her and she was in good hands, so there was nothing to be worried (about). Unfortunately, I missed the birth. Hopefully the next one, I get to see.”

Husso said he is enjoying the earliest stage of fatherhood, expressing gratitude for being able to spend time with his family while the Red Wings played at the 2023 NHL Global Series.

“We watched (the games) on TV,” Husso said. “Unfortunately only one point, but I think guys battled there. They got to enjoy Sweden as well. But one point, I wish we would have gotten more. But it’s a long season, just got to get ready for the next game.”

Husso last played on Nov. 11, making 18 saves in the Red Wings’ 5-4 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets at Little Caesars Arena. This season, the Finnish netminder has a 6-3-1 record with a 3.61 goals-against average and .885 save percentage.

“I stayed active too last week, so it was not like I was just sitting at home or anything,” Husso said. “I feel good and now it’s time to play hockey.”