Sportsmanship is the quality of being fair, gracious, and respectful in sports. It's important because it helps to create a positive and enjoyable experience for all participants, and promotes a sense of community within the sports world.

Some characteristics of good sportsmanship include:

1.  Playing between the whistles.
2.  Showing respect for opponents, whether you win or lose.
3.  Being a good teammate and supporting others regardless of the situation.
4.  Showing respect for the authority of coaches and officials and following their rules and decisions.
5.  Being gracious and humble in victory, and gracious in defeat.

Good sportsmanship helps to teach young athletes important values such as respect, being a good teammate, and graciousness, which can have a positive impact on their overall development.

One example of a former NHL hockey player who demonstrated great sportsmanship throughout his career is Henrik Sedin, who played for the Vancouver Canucks from 2000 to 2018. Henrik Sedin was known for his strong work ethic, unselfish play, and commitment to sportsmanship.

Throughout his career, Henrik Sedin consistently demonstrated good sportsmanship on and off the ice. He was known for his graciousness in victory and defeat, and for showing respect to opponents, teammates, and officials.

In addition to his strong sportsmanship, Henrik Sedin was also known for his strong leadership and community involvement. He was a role model for younger players, and was actively involved in various charitable and community initiatives.

Overall, Henrik Sedin is a great example of an NHL player who demonstrated strong sportsmanship throughout his career, and who was a positive influence on and off the ice.