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Sweden WJC preview

Written by: Unknown on 12/22/2003 Subscribe to HF's RSS Feed

Untitled Document The World Junior Championship is less than a week away and the Swedish players are currently preparing themselves for the tournament. Below is a preview of all the Swedish players. Note that there may still be some roster changes before the tournament starts.

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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