Featured Article
Sweden WJC preview
Written by: Unknown on 12/22/2003 ![]()
GOALTENDERS
| Birth: | 25.02.84 | Joakim
Lundström #30 |
|
| Catches: | Left | ||
| Height: | 6'1" | ||
| Weight: | 187 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | undrafted | ||
| Lundström
is spending his first season in the elite league. He is backing up Finnish
goalie Markus Korhonen who has played well this season leaving Lundström
with little ice time. In the junior league Lundström has however posted good numbers on an average team. He has played solidly in two exhibition games before the WJC and will be the starting goalie unless something unexpected happens. |
|||
| Team (League) | GP | GAA | SVS% | SO |
| Brynäs (SEL) | 2 | 5.50 | .836 | 0 |
| Brynäs (Juniors) | 7 | 2.89 | .890 | 0 |
| Birth: | 25.04.86 | Magnus
Åkerlund #1 |
|
| Catches: | Right | ||
| Height: | 6'1" | ||
| Weight: | 183 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | Eligible 2004 | ||
| The
most talented Swedish goalie for some years. It's a small sensation that
Åkerlund, born 1986, made the team. He has only played in the junior
league while there were some other candidates with SEL and Tier II experience. Åkerlund is expected to back Lundström but we should not be surprised if he gets to start a a game or two. Next season we will likely find Åkerlund playing in the elite league. |
|||
| Team (League) | GP | GAA | SVS% | SO |
| HV 71 (Juniors) | 17 | 3.00 | .903 | 1 |
DEFENSEMEN
| Birth: | 28.08.84 | Johan Björk #25 |
|
| Shoots: | Left | ||
| Height: | 6'1" | ||
| Weight: | 194 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | 2002, Ottawa, #125 | ||
| A
strong defenseman, Björk has been in and out of MIF Redhawks SEL lineup this season and is currently the seventh defenseman on the team. He is pretty all-round and knows how to use his body. He usually doesn't hesitate joining the rush and can contribute offensively. On this team Björk is not among those that we can expect to log a lot of minutes on the power play. |
|||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| MIF Redhawks (SEL) | 23 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| MIF Redhawks (Juniors) | 12 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Birth: | 24.03.84 | Henrik Blomqvist #3 |
|
| Shoots: | Right | ||
| Height: | 5'11" | ||
| Weight: | 183 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | undrafted | ||
| Not the largest player on the team but definitely the most physical. Blomqvist uses his body at every given opportunity and is a very gritty defenseman. He has a tendency of taking foolish penalties which is something this team can’t afford. If he can keep his coolness he’ll be a very valuable player with his steady defensive game. | |||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| Växjö (Tier II) | 27 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 75 |
| Birth: | 05.11.84 | Tobias Enström #6 |
|
| Shoots: | Left | ||
| Height: | 5'10" | ||
| Weight: | 174 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | 2003, Atlanta, #239 | ||
| Last year’s rookie of the year in the SEL. Enström has missed some games this season because of an injury but is now recovered and has performed pretty well with MoDo in the SEL. He is playing on the first pairing with former NHLer Hans Jonsson. Enström is a very complete defenseman with great hockey sense, good skating and a fine passing game. He can be used in all game situations and plays a good two-way game. We can expect Enström to play a lot on the power play. | |||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| MoDo (SEL) | 17 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Birth: | 18.02.85 | Johan Fransson #5 |
|
| Shoots: | Left | ||
| Height: | 6'1" | ||
| Weight: | 183 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | 2004 Eligible | ||
| Fransson opted out of the draft this past summer after a season ruined by injuries. This year he has been a sensation in the SEL with Luleå. Starting the season as the seventh or eighth defenseman on the team he is now top 3 or top 4 on the team. Fransson is a terrific skater; he is very strong on the puck and has a good release as well as a fine playmaking ability. The last big defenseman that came out from Luleå was Mattias Öhlund and we can expect Fransson, who will most likely get drafted in the first round next summer, to become a high caliber NHLer. | |||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| Luleå (SEL) | 28 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 14 |
| Luleå (Juniors) | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 10 |
| Birth: | 07.02.84 | Pierre Johnsson #2 |
|
| Shoots: | Left | ||
| Height: | 6'1" | ||
| Weight: | 190 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | 2002, Calgary, #207 | ||
| Johnsson
is one of those defensemen that you can always expect to do a good job.
He plays solidly in his own end and always chooses the best way to deliver
the puck. Johnsson works hard, has a great attitude and is not afraid to
use his body either. It’s just a matter of time before we’ll find him playing in the SEL. |
|||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| Mora (Tier II) | 29 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 10 |
| Birth: | 19.02.84 | Tomas Skogs #23 |
|
| Shoots: | Left | ||
| Height: | 5'10" | ||
| Weight: | 178 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | undrafted | ||
| A smallish and speedy defenseman. Skogs is quite entertaining to watch being a fast skater and having fine technical skills. He is also very responsible defensively and has currently the best +/- in the second tier league (+17, in the south division). Skogs can also be valuable offensively and needs three more points to match his career year, 3+3 points from last season. | |||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| Mora (Tier II) | 32 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 20 |
| Birth: | 01.03.84 | Daniel Sondell #4 |
|
| Shoots: | Left | ||
| Height: | 6'0" | ||
| Weight: | 186 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | undrafted | ||
| Sondell left MoDo's junior team after last season and is now a major factor in the second tier league with Björklöven. He plays a very good offensive game and is good at moving the puck. Sondell is also a strong skater and should at the very least become a good SEL defenseman in the future. There are still some aspects that could use some improvements such as his defensive game, but if he continues playing this well he’ll soon leave Björklöven for the SEL. | |||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| Björklöven (Tier II) | 30 | 7 | 9 | 16 | 0 |
| Birth: | 27.06.85 | Alexander Täng #7 |
|
| Shoots: | Left | ||
| Height: | 5'11" | ||
| Weight: | 196 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | undrafted | ||
| Täng is arguably the best defenseman in the Swedish junior league this year. He has been considered a top prospect for many years but did not take that huge step forward last season that many had expected. This year he is however leading Frölunda from the blueline and putting up good numbers. Täng is a strong skater, has exceptional hockey sense, a mighty strong passing game and he is responsible in both ends of the ice. | |||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| Frölunda (SEL) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Frölunda (Juniors) | 21 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 30 |
| Birth: | 18.05.84 | Johan Andersson #26 |
|
| Shoots: | Left | ||
| Height: | 6'1" | ||
| Weight: | 207 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | 2003, Chicago, #181 | ||
| A gifted center drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks drafted this past summer, Andersson plays for Troja-Ljungby and is among the top players on the team despite his young age. He has good size, plays an aggressive game and is pretty good offensively. He can put the puck in the net as well as deliver crisp passes. Andersson is not a terrific skater but makes up for it thanks to his hockey smarts. | |||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| Troja-Ljungby (Tier II) | 29 | 9 | 8 | 17 | 49 |
| Birth: | 30.01.84 | Patric Blomdahl #18 |
|
| Shoots: | Left | ||
| Height: | 6'1" | ||
| Weight: | 220 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | 2002, Washington, #272 | ||
| Perhaps the most physical forward on the team. Blomdahl is an excellent hitter, has good size and is not easy to push around with. He is having a good year with AIK in the second tier league and getting good icetime. He has scored 8 goals this season and has a pretty good scoring touch. Blomdahl is along with Marcus Jonasén the closest thing to a power forward on the Swedish team. | |||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| AIK (Tier II) | 29 | 8 | 3 | 11 | 40 |
| Birth: | 07.12.84 | Nicklas Danielsson #11 |
|
| Shoots: | Right | ||
| Height: | 6'0" | ||
| Weight: | 170 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | 2003, Vancouver, #160 | ||
| Danielsson is a winger with sniper instincts. He is very explosive and dangerous when he is in control of the puck. Danielsson has also has quick feet and works well in the offensive zone. One could think that he is a bit one-dimensional but he is quite responsible defensively and has been killing penalties for the Swedish junior team earlier this season. He’ll be playing with Frölunda players Loui Eriksson and Fredrik Johansson. That line has clicked in previous tournaments and these players are expected to score some goals. | |||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| Brynäs (SEL) | 30 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Brynäs (Juniors) | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Almtuna (Tier II) | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
| Birth: | 04.01.84 | Nicklas Eckerblom #8 |
|
| Shoots: | Left | ||
| Height: | 6'1" | ||
| Weight: | 196 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | 2002, Minnesota, #204 | ||
| A role player on this team, Eckerblom has been dressed for most of Djurgården’s games in the SEL this season but often has he seen limited icetime. He is defensively very responsible and works hard. Eckerblom is drafted by the Minnesota Wild but is still several seasons away from possibly challenging for a roster spot. If there is no lockout we can expect him to become a regular with Djurgården next season. | |||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| Djurgården (SEL) | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Djurgården (Juniors) | 8 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 22 |
| Hammarby (Tier II) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Birth: | 17.07.85 | Loui Eriksson #21 |
|
| Shoots: | Left | ||
| Height: | 6'1" | ||
| Weight: | 178 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | 2003, Dallas, #33 | ||
| Although
Eriksson is the third youngest player on the team, he is an essential piece
of Sweden’s offense and scoring. The 18-year-old Frölunda player
has had a very good rookie season with Frölunda and been praised by
his coach and the media. Eriksson is very all-round but at a very first
glance his strong skating and excellent hockey sense stands out. He is quite
the scorer as well and also responsible defensively. A steal by Dallas when they drafted him in the second round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. |
|||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| Frölunda (SEL) | 31 | 5 | 2 | 7 | 0 |
| Birth: | 19.11.84 | Alexander Hulth #22 |
|
| Shoots: | Left | ||
| Height: | 6'3" | ||
| Weight: | 200 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | 2003, San Jose, #236 | ||
| Hulth
will not be going to Finland unless there is an injury on the Swedish team.
Both Marcus Jonasén and Patric Blomdahl have had problems with injuries
and therefore Hulth is likely to replace one of them. He is a smart center with good size who works hard and is strong on the puck. Hulth can set up plays and is creative when he gets some free space on the ice. On this team he is more of a role player though. |
|||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| HV 71 (SEL) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Oskarshamn (Tier II) | 29 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 2 |
| Birth: | 27.02.84 | Fredrik Johansson #10 |
|
| Shoots: | Left | ||
| Height: | 6'0" | ||
| Weight: | 187 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | 2002, Edmonton, #274 | ||
| Johansson is playing his first season in the Swedish Elite League and has despite not putting up any significant numbers played convincingly. He is a smart two-way center with good defensive skills and a strong passing game. He belongs to the Edmonton Oilers and the main concern right now for Johansson is to get stronger. Johansson was the leading scorer in the Swedish junior league last season scoring 13 goals and 34 assists in 30 games. | |||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| Frölunda (SEL) | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Frölunda (Juniors) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Birth: | 12.01.84 | Marcus Jonasén #19 |
|
| Shoots: | Right | ||
| Height: | 6'4" | ||
| Weight: | 225 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | 2002, NY Rangers, #81 | ||
| The only Swedish player on the team not playing in Sweden. Jonasén has been playing well as a rookie with Tri City in the WHL and scored 11 goals and 9 assists in 27 games. He is a very aggressive player and chases the puck hard. Jonasén has great size and at the same time he is a good skater. He is responsible in both ends, uses his body a lot and is expected to score some goals for Sweden. | |||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| Tri-City (WHL) | 27 | 11 | 9 | 20 | 12 |
| Birth: | 23.01.84 | Monir Kalgoum #15 |
|
| Shoots: | Left | ||
| Height: | 6'1" | ||
| Weight: | 187 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | undrafted | ||
| One of the big surprises on the Swedish team. Kalgoum is a rather unknown player that this season has played well with Huddinge in the second tier league, his first season with the seniors. He is very smart and a faceoff specialist. Kalgoum is also strong defensively and is valuable for his attitude and excellent work ethic. | |||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| Huddinge (Tier II) | 31 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 36 |
| Huddinge (Juniors) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Birth: | 01.09.84 | Sebastian Meijer #13 |
|
| Shoots: | Left | ||
| Height: | 5'9" | ||
| Weight: | 168 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | undrafted | ||
| Meijer, 5’9” tall, is the smallest player on the Swedish team. His offensive game is however not small. Meijer is dangerous with his fine skating and technical skills. He can create scoring chances all by himself and has a nose for the net. His size could possibly be a concern for him in the tournament. He is not a soft player but against tough international competition he could have some problems advancing from the boards towards the net. | |||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| HV 71 (SEL) | 17 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| HV 71 (Juniors) | 10 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 4 |
| Västerås (Tier II) | 11 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 0 |
| Birth: | 10.01.85 | Robert Nilsson #9 |
|
| Shoots: | Left | ||
| Height: | 5'10" | ||
| Weight: | 180 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | 2003, NY Islanders, #15 | ||
| The NY Islanders first pick in the 2003 Draft has had a very disappointing season. It started with Nilsson not having a very good preseason and although starting on Leksand’s second line in the SEL he was shortly demoted to the third and then the fourth line as he was unable to produce offensively. The last month or so Nilsson has however started contributing and actually scored some goals. In this environment Nilsson should still be very effective with his excellent playmaking ability and creativeness with the puck. | |||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| Leksand (SEL) | 29 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Leksand (Juniors) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Birth: | 07.02.86 | Johannes Salmonsson #16 |
|
| Shoots: | Left | ||
| Height: | 6'2" | ||
| Weight: | 183 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | 2004 Eligible | ||
| Sweden’s most interesting forward that is eligible to get drafted 2004, Salmonsson is the only player born 1986 who is a regular in the Swedish Elite League. He has mostly been playing on Djurgården’s fourth line and has already, despite not getting a whole lot of icetime all the time, displayed a very impressive skill set. Salmonsson has quick feet, he is a good scorer, a fine passer and he has good size. A potential top 20 pick in the draft next summer. | |||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| Djurgården (SEL) | 17 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Almtuna (Tier II) | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Birth: | 01.03.84 | Alexander Steen #17 |
|
| Shoots: | Left | ||
| Height: | 5'11" | ||
| Weight: | 186 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | 2002, Toronto, #24 | ||
| Steen is the captain, the leader and along with the goalies, the MVP of this team. He started this season as a talented prospect but is now a star in the elite league. He is as complete as they come and has no glaring weaknesses. Offensively Steen can do it all. He is a terrific passer; he can put the puck in the net, as well as be tough and agitate the defensemen. In his own end Steen also knows what to do and always makes the correct decisions. This could very well be his last season in the SEL for quite a while since he should be NHL ready after the summer. | |||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| Frölunda (SEL) | 31 | 8 | 11 | 19 | 30 |
| Birth: | 06.12.84 | Andreas Valdix #29 |
|
| Shoots: | Left | ||
| Height: | 5'11" | ||
| Weight: | 172 lbs | ||
| Drafted: | 2003, Washington, #109 | ||
| The Washington Capitals drafted Valdix after his quite impressive rookie season with MIF last year. This season Valdix hasn’t really taken the next big step in his development and become a good offensive player in the SEL. But he has a lot of talent and skill and there’s no question that he’ll soon be one of the key players in MIF. Though Valdix really needs to get stronger, he still plays well through heavy traffic. He has a good skating technique and can shoot as well as pass the puck. | |||
| Team (League) | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
| MIF Redhawks (SEL) | 30 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| MIF Redhawks (Juniors) | 5 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
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