One of the primary reasons I came over from Sweden isn't just because I knew I would face better competition in the SMJHL to help me get to the SHL, but because my former playmaking country person Hippo Passamus blazed the trail and showed me that Canada is not as bad as they make it seem on TV. Is it hard to find a meatball here? Yeah, it is. Is it difficult to mingle with kvinnor without sharing the same understanding that Swedish women are beautiful, sensual creatures looking to leap upon the loins of hockey players at every available moment including on public transportation? Yes, it is. Canadians are a little more chilly than Swedes in that regard. Not as much dalliancing under the moonlight that we do back home, but what can you do.

Anyway, I followed Hippo's career from home with bated breath. Watching every dangle and rocket blue line pass to catch a streaking right wing or left wing for a breakaway chance. Every play from behind the net, every expertly crafted cycle, it's all been incredible to witness. That is who I look up to as a player and person and hopefully I have a chance to meet Hippo once I'm taken in the SHL draft.