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dankoa · 09-04-2015, 01:25 PM

Ready for grading.

After making the decision to join the league mid-way through the season, Sven Karlsson's transition into the SMJHL has not been the smoothest. The big centre from Ornskoldsvik is a product of the famed Modo Hockey youth system, which has helped shape players like Peter Forsberg, the Sedin twins and Victor Hedman into the superstars they are today. After turning heads playing in the Swedish Elite League, albeit in a limited role, Karlsson decided to make the jump to play in North America and officially joined the SMJHL during S25.

As soon as he was declared eligible, Karlsson's agent began to reach out to the clubs in the league to gauge their interest in signing the young forward, however, the initial response was frosty to say the least. Of the numerous clubs approached, only one was willing to look into giving Karlsson the opportunity to play; the Detroit Falcons. Initial discussions between the Falcon's front office and Karlsson's representatives went so well that plans were set in motion the same day to trade away other assets to make the roster space for Karlsson to join the team, however, there was one aspect of the offer that stalled negotiations; due to Detroit's current abundance of centres, Sven would be playing away from his preferred position up the middle and instead as a winger on the third line.

After a lot of discussion between Sven and his agent, it was decided that the opportunity to play in such a successful organization, and one that most importantly, wanted him, was too good to pass up on, and Karlsson signed a $2 million contract for the remainder of S25.

[Image: ritchieDL080214.jpg]

Sven training ahead of his debut against the Prince George Firebirds.

Sven made his debut for the Falcons the day after signing and was determined to make an impact for two reasons; to show Detroit that he could repay their faith in him, and to prove to every GM in the league who passed on him that they made a serious error of judgement. Although very briefly shaken by the smaller North American ice, Karlsson hit his stride later in the game and managed to immediately show the Falcons that he was versatile enough to succeed in his new position as he picked up his first goal in the SMJHL, in what was unfortunately a losing effort. Despite this, Karlsson believes that while his immediate success is a minuscule step on the road to greatness, it bodes well for his future within the league. He is immensely happy within the Falcon's system, taking an instant liking to their coaching staff and the warm dressing room atmosphere. Joining a team in a different country, where you only have a very basic understanding of the language can be daunting for a seasoned pro, so for a 17 year old rookie it can be borderline terrifying. The efforts of his teammates to go out of their way to make Sven feel welcome and their continued support in terms of his development affirms that he made the right choice signing there.

Detroit made a real effort to accommodate Sven and potentially put themselves in a worse position for the short term to nurture his talent, and Karlsson is determined to continue to impress throughout his rookie season, especially against the teams who decided he wasn't worth signing.

Q: Which teammate has helped you the most so far?
A: I would say two of the senior guys, Jasper Clayton and Michael Burch. Both have made a real effort to make me feel at home here as well as given me good advice on how to develop best.

Q: Are you eager to prove the other teams wrong?
A: Of course, it is one of my biggest motivators to succeed. They had the chance to add me to their team but chose not to so now I will make them regret decision.

Q: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
A: My goal for this season and every other season is to win. I want to improve my offensive game and repay everyone at Detroit for their faith in me by helping them to win.

Q: How exciting is it to play for Detroit?
A: To play for Detroit is a dream come true for me. They are a team with a good history and who wanted me on their team, so to step out onto the ice as a Falcon is the greatest feeling in the world.

Q: Do you feel confident in your ability to add to the Falcons' rich history?
A: Yes, I feel I confident that I can help us become champions. I have no interest in being a superstar on a losing team; my goal is to be a great player, yes, but most importantly of all I will do whatever it takes to win.

Q: How have you enjoyed playing in the SMJHL so far?
A: Playing in the SMJHL so far has been great. It is a steep learning curve; it is a much more physical game than we play in Sweden but it is a lot of fun and I look forward to the future.

Q: Any player you model your game after?
A: Ever since I was a little boy my hero has always been Henrik Sedin, as we are from the same city and played for the same team in Sweden. However, now I model my game more after people like Patrice Bergeron, Jeff Carter and Jonathan Toews; big guys who are skilled on the puck and can score but are also great at defence.

Q: What do you see your role on the team as going forward?
A: I will be enforcer. No, but this is a tough question for me. Ultimately I will do whatever my team needs me to, and play any position they want me to, however, I believe I play at my best as a centre. I would love to play as a center for Detroit, however, if this is not possible I will play wherever I am asked to.

Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
A: I always put my right skate on first, no one can touch my stick after it has been taped, and I always have to be the last one to come off the ice after warm ups.

Q: What do you hope to prove this season?
A: To prove that Detroit were right to believe in me, and that the other GM's in the league made a bad decision. Also, to prove that I have the talent and motivation to succeed and become an elite player.

Q: What parts of your game do you hope to develop the most in your limited first season in the SMJHL?
A: As you say, although I don't have much time in this season, I want to be able to develop my offensive game to allow me to put more points up. I feel like with my size and defensive capabilities, becoming sharper offensively will make me a complete player.

Q: How will you advertise to SHL teams that you are a worthy prospect in spite of your late entry into the SHL world?
A: By doing everything in my power to help my team win, and hopefully that attitude pays off. I know that no one considers me a top prospect but I'm determined to turn a few heads by the end of the season.

Q: What was the feeling scoring in your first game with Detroit?
A: It was one of the best moments of my life. To be able to go out there and show that whatever situation you put me in, I can shine was unreal, and to do it in my first game for the team made it even more special.

Quote:Word count:1433

Dangles13 · 09-04-2015, 01:28 PM

Which teammate has helped you the most so far?
Are you eager to prove the other teams wrong?
What are your goals for the upcoming season?

***WannabeFinn*** · 09-04-2015, 02:06 PM

How exciting is it to play for Detroit?

Do you feel confident in your ability to add to the Falcons' rich history?

carousel182 · 09-04-2015, 02:34 PM

How have you enjoyed playing in the SMJHL so far?

Any player you model your game after?

What do you see your role on the team as going forward?

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

What do you hope to prove this season?

fgh · 09-04-2015, 03:06 PM

What parts of your game do you hope to develop the most in your limited first season in the SMJHL?

How will you advertise to SHL teams that you are a worthy prospect in spite of your late entry into the SHL world?

What was the feeling scoring in your first game with Detroit?

dankoa · 09-04-2015, 08:48 PM

All answered, keep em coming!

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