The time Gunnar spent in the SMJHL was absolutely invaluable in helping him become the player he is today, and the player he wants to become. Coming into the league, he was something of an unknown quantity, and was eager to prove himself. Scouts agreed for the most part that the raw talent was there, but playing in the SMJHL gave him a chance to figure out exactly where he ranked in comparison to other young players his age. It was a step he definitely needed to take before moving up to the SHL. He might have had the raw talent but he had a lot to learn about playing in a league where just about every player around him had that same level of raw talent, where the big difference maker between who would go on to the SHL and who wouldn’t was mostly a matter of hard work and dedication. He also formed some lasting friendships and bonds in the SMJHL that have stayed with him even today.