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jtam · 09-11-2020, 08:52 AM

Rikard Hammarberg– SMJHL Career (S52-S55) and S55 Regular Season + Playoffs Retrospective by J. Botchford Jr.
[5888 words - Ready to be graded]

Four seasons ago, a lanky Swedish boy strolled into the stands at the S52 SMJHL Entry Draft on the second day of drafting. All the big names have already been selected early, big names such as fellow countryman Magnus Liljestrom, Valentin Kalashnikov, and Jimmy Wagner were already off the board. Round after round, the Swedish boy sat in the stands with his family watching his hope and dream to play professional hockey in North America slowly dwindle as more and more players got drafted. It was not until the 5th round, when Anaheim took a chance on Rikard Hammarberg with their 48th pick. Overcome with tears, he hugged his family and went down to the Anaheim draft table to get acquainted with the Anaheim Outlaws staff. He vowed to GM BDonini that he would not be disappointed with the pick and that Rikard Hammarberg will become the type of player that would bring championships to the organization.

Four seasons later, now a member of the Maine Timber, after getting traded from Anaheim at the trade deadline, Rikard Hammarberg just finished his last Four Stars Cup, losing to Four Stars Cup Champions Newfoundland Berserkers in 6 games. He joined me for an interview to reflect on his Junior career. Rikard is slated to be slotted into the Hamilton Steelhawks lineup for next year for S56. Jumping up into the SHL is always a tough ask for any rookie, but slotting into the veteran laden Steelhawks roster that has provided him with as much help and advice throughout his years in the their prospect pool will help with the transition.

Rikard has had an up and down career in the Simulation Major Junior Hockey League. He didn’t have major accolades, he was not touted as a must-see prospect, but he played his part in making his team and his teammates better. From his rookie season, getting his feet wet in the smaller ice surface, Rikard played a small role in a very good Anaheim squad. There was little differentiating all the teams in the SMJHL, with 8 points separating the top 8 teams, and Rikard got his first taste of North American hockey. Rikard had always played with an offensive edge to his game, but he found a lot less time and space to operate in when he had the puck, and while Rikard had prepared for this to happen, he didn’t realize to the degree in which his defensive flaws would be exposed in such a fashion. In 50 games for Anaheim that year, Rikard amassed 9 points, 5 goals and 4 assists, but was victimized for a team worse -21, which placed him in the bottom 5 for plus/minus points. “It was quite a shock when I first stepped onto the ice within the Saloon, with the cheers and the crowd the first time I stepped onto the ice. That first season was so tough. I was not used to the hits and the speed with the smaller ice surface. I just wanted to do what I could, and get off the ice, so that better players can jump into the game. We had such a good squad, and they definitely taught me a lot during that baptism by fire.” Getting scored on while on the ice so many times left a dissatisfying taste in Rikard’s mouth. “It does not matter if you can score 100 goals in a season, but if you get scored on 101 times, you are still on the wrong side” Rikard said. It was this first season that propelled Rikard to earnestly improve his defensive game to compliment his offensive instincts. Championships are won on defense, and Rikard embraced that mantra wholeheartedly. He may be young, but Rikard was someone who could dissect and analyze his game and pinpoint certain areas he needed to enhance to become the best player he could be. This was in full display as the Outlaws went into the S52 Playoffs. While still playing in a depth role on the Outlaws, he honed his defensive positioning and checking, and was able to stop bleeding goals against. Rallying behind the veterans on the team, Anaheim won the S52 Four Stars cup, with Rikard playing solid defensively and gaining the coaches’ trust, moving him up the lineup to 3rd line center.

With the Four Stars Cup win, Rikard solidified himself within the extremely talented prospect pool in S53 SHL Draft. Gaining some momentum, Rikard was selected in the 2nd round to the Hamilton Steelhawks after they gained a liking to him watching his performance in the Four Stars Cup. Just like his promise to GM BDonini in Anaheim the season prior, Hammarberg promised his new co-GMs Hallsy and gwdjohnson that he would mold his game for success at the SHL level and will use any and all avenues of support that Hamilton could provide. They gave him resources to continue his progression and wanted Rikard to continue the current trajectory, by becoming more defensively reliable and promised that the offence will come.

Rikard continued to work on his defensive game going into his sophomore season, and just like how his coaches mentioned, the offense came. Rikard exploded for 29 points, with 11 goals and 18 assists. While still supporting a -2 plus/minus rating, Hammarberg’s sophomore season was far and away a much better showing defensively for the young Swede. Anchoring the third line with Etan Merauk and John Forfeit, Rikard was able to improve his wingers and provided consistent production offensively. Defensively, Rikard began to earn the coaches’ trust in his defensive abilities, to the point where Rikard began to take on a more prominent role in the penalty kill. Relied on his steadily improving face-off skill and his sound defensive positioning, Rikard began showing that he could flourish as a two way forward, chipping in offensively while shutting down opponent’s key players. This was a role that Rikard began flourishing in. While he may not have the pedigree of a truly offensively gifted centerman, Rikard hung onto the notion that if he can shut down offensive stars while chipping in offensively, he will be relied on by his coaches in all situations, and be able to support the team in that aspect. “That second year was when things finally clicked for me” described Rikard, “while my rookie season was just a trial by fire, I learned a lot and adjusted my game to a whole new system. Being relied on to be defensive and putting up some decent offensive numbers has been a source of pride for me.”

Anaheim once again entered the playoffs with the notion that they would be able to repeat as champions. While Rikard had an early taste of how playoff hockey would be like in his rookie year, it was another reckoning for the sophomore in his second playoffs. While being on the fourth line, it was easier to play sheltered minutes but now that Hammarberg was playing in a more prominent role, the intensity of the playoffs became a whole new beast to Rikard. He wasn’t able to replicate his regular season form, and was only able to put up a measly 4 point, 2 goals and 2 assists, -7 statline in 12 games. Rikard was not a major factor in Anaheim’s first round victory against Anchorage in 7 games and the Outlaws were unable to defeat a strong squad from Kelowna in the second round and was ousted out of the playoffs in 5 games. This playoffs had an impact on Rikard, as he went back to his coaches in Anaheim and Hamilton to dissect his game further to see what he needed to do to improve his game even more as he ramped up his offseason training regimen to completely remold his game. Rikard fell into a trap that many young players fall into, which is to work mostly on his on-ice skills, but did not improve his stamina to where it should be.

Heading into training camp in his third season, Hammarberg looked like a new player. Having substantially reworked his game, he looked stronger on his skates, and finally did not puke during the first few bag skates of the season, showing off his improved stamina. “Ethan Price, C.T. Carragher and Rhys Pritchard laughed at me after the first few days, surprised that I finally stopped puking on the ice after bag skates!”, Rikard laughed, “They have been with me on the Anaheim team since I came into the league as a rookie and I learned so much from them. Watching Pricey continually pot pucks into the back of the net, and Pritchy create so much open ice and continually contributing offensively with his size, as well as C.T.’s consummate professionalism, being so consistent day in and day out, all these guys really helped me round out my game. My third season was such a memorable season.” That third season was Rikard’s breakout season in the Simulation Major Junior Hockey League. Rikard was once again tasked to anchor the third line, centering rookie sensation Ryu Jones, and long-time line mate John Forfeit. Things started out slowly for Rikard, but as the season drew on, Rikard was able to contribute offensively in a penalty killing and 3rd line role. Throughout most of the season, Rikard was able to sustain his offensive output and was in the mix for the top scorer in the SMJHL. All this while playing little to no powerplay time and anchoring the penalty kill. What his coaches had talked to him about early on in his career came true. If you play good defense, the offense will come. Rikard was elevating his play to the next level and became relied upon within the Anaheim team to contribute to all situations. While Rikard sustained his play through most of the season, the extra work placed upon him in spearheading the powerplay, penalty kill on top of his 5 on 5 minutes began taking its toll on the Swede. His point production dropped near the end of the season as he was not able to stay fresh for every game in the grueling SMJHL season. “I was so happy being able to contribute the way I did in my third year. I was able to sustain a very good offensive pace and pushed myself to shut down other teams’ star players.” said Rikard. “My fitness started to suffer once even more responsibility was placed on me, to be on the power play and penalty kill at the same time. I was sad to slowly drift away from winning the top points getter award [ Jared Hanson Award], but to be in contention for most of the season was exciting! I found myself scoreboard watching a fair bit.” Rikard finished the season with a stellar 44 points, 14 goals and 30 assists, and finishing even in +/-, showing off the work he has put into his defensive game. Rikard was also instrumental in special teams play, averaging over 3 minutes with the man advantage, contributing 14 points, 2 goals and 12 assists, while averaging close to a minute average on the penalty kill, contributing 2 short handed goals in his efforts. All in all, a fantastic season and something for Rikard to build around.

Come the playoffs in his third season, Anaheim was an underdog punching above their weight class. Led by vets Ethan Price, and Taylor Johannsson, Anaheim played masterfully as they quickly dispatched their first round opponent in the Colorado Raptors in 5 games. Anaheim continued their winning ways, exacting revenge on Kelowna for last season, winning the series in 5 games as well, setting up Anaheim and Rikard’s 2nd finals in 3 seasons. Continuing in a shut-down depth role, while RIkard wasn’t able to replicate his scoring from the regular season during the post season, he was able to play well defensively against the top lines in the SMJHL. Anaheim would lose out in the Four-Stars Cup final to Carolina in 6 games. Rikard ended the post season with 7 points, 3 goals and 4 assists while boasting a +5 rating. Rikard’s newly styled two-way presence game was tailored for the playoffs, and it is beginning to show and bear fruit, as Rikard has now reached the finals twice in three years.

Expectations were sky high for Rikard the next season. With key centers such as C.T. Carragher and Taylor Johansson moving up to the big leagues with their respective Simulation Hockey League clubs, RIkard was tasked with first line duties, as well as his usual power play and penalty kill duties. With his break out season behind him, it is up to Rikard to meet and exceed the new hefty expectations placed upon his shoulders. Playing on the first line for the Outlaws had always been a goal for Rikard. He had looked up to the players that came before him, Kevin Robinson, Ivan Maximus, C.T. Carragher, and fellow Swede Taylor Johansson, and wanted to be relied upon to push the team towards another Four-Stars Cup. Rikard came into what would be his final season in the Junior league with a goal, to bring Anaheim to the Four-Star Cup once again. This season saw Rikard center the top line, flanked by his line mate from last season, Ryu Jones, and Ethan Price. The season started out with the top line being shot out of the cannon, racking up points consistently. While being outpaced in points by his line mates, Rikard enjoyed playing the responsible centerman on the line, enabling his linemates to wrack up points. Rikard still consistently put up points in the front half of the season, never going more than 2 games without a point. Being relied upon in all situations, Rikard’s ice time was the most he has ever played. In the beginning of the season, Rikard was averaging over 22 minutes a night, with his heaviest night against Vancouver 11 games into the season, with a 26-minute effort, a range usually reserved for defenceman. With increased expectations, came increased ice-time, and Rikard’s stamina was not up to snuff. Hammarberg found himself unable to recover his stamina and fitness as easily as before and lost a lot of the weight he had gained in the offseason. Rikard pushed through his fatigue game after game, but his points pace and defensive prowess slipped from his lofty standards. Despite putting in strong performances game after game, the wins dried up as Rikard’s plays began slipping come late November and December into the season. With middling performance against the league’s best such as Newfoundland, Kelowna, and Carolina, a deep playoff run did not seem to be in the cards. While the team was pushing as hard as they can, it became obvious that a retool was needed to elevate Anaheim back into top contender status.

The pipeline of prospects needed to be replenished, and thus in mid December, GM BDonini approached Rikard about a trade before the trade deadline. Maine had come calling and wanted to add Hammarberg to their lineup to load up for a playoff push. While disheartened to hear he was to be traded away from his only home in North America these 4 years, Rikard understood that it would benefit all parties. So, on December 20th, Rikard was traded from Anaheim to Maine for a 2nd round and a 4th round pick with cap space coming back to Maine as well. The shock of the trade was still evident on Rikard’s face when I spoke to him about it. “It was hard. I went to war with these guys, and we were a family.” said Rikard, “I did not know what to expect. I have not really seen a trade away from our team that often. The trainers helped me along, as they told me what I would need to do. Luckily, I was being shipped to Maine, and thus did not need new visas and such, but I needed to find a place to stay. The trainers helped me pack all my gear into my bags, taped up my sticks and offered to help me move.” “Since I was to move to Hamilton most likely after the season was over, I decided that I was going to stay at a hotel until the end of the season, and then move all my things from Anaheim to Hamilton. Alexander Oscarsson, who I played with internationally texted me out of the blue and offered a place to stay with me. I will be forever grateful for his generosity. It saved me a lot of money considering how long our playoffs were! I am incredibly grateful for all the help I received from Maine during my trade to play for the Timbers. I received calls and texts from captain Valentin Kalashnikov, and both assistant captains Mikkel Asmus Sondergard, and my buddy from Sweden Alexander Oscarsson. GMs CementHands and Citizen of Adraa reached out to me personally throughout the whole process to ensure that I was able to transition smoothly.”

Being traded is never easy, and it certainly was not the smoothest for Rikard after heading to the Timber. Rikard never looked comfortable in the regular season with Maine. Rikard needed to rebuild chemistry with his new teammates, which was not an easy thing to do in such a short timeframe. He was lit up in his second game with the Timber, against his old teammates in Anaheim. Ryu Jones, his running mate for the past two seasons scored two goals against Rikard, which further pushed Hammarberg to doubt his abilities and contributions. In his struggle to establish chemistry, Rikard was unable to build upon his point totals from Anaheim. Rikard was on pace for close to his production the the previous year at around 40 points, his production completely tanked after being traded to the Timber, and his signature defensive play was once again called into question as he bled goals against while he was on the ice, to the tune of -9 with the Timber. Rikard felt ashamed of his play, he was brought in with a big price to produce and push Maine to the next level, but his play to round out the last 13 games of the regular season proved otherwise. After his trade to Maine, Rikard had a horrid stateline, with 2 points, 1 goal and 1 assist with the aforementioned -9 rating in 13 games for the Timber. Hammarberg would end his final season in the SMJHL with a 30 point season, 8 goals and 22 assists, with a -15 rating. Sitting down with the coaches at Maine, he once again tried to dissect his play to try to regroup prior to the playoffs. While the coaches were understanding that a trade into a new team would always be tough, Rikard was reassured that his game will come, and to follow his mantra, “Be defensively reliable, and the offence will come.”

Entering the playoffs, Maine drew against the Detroit Falcons. Detroit had been a thorn to the side of Rikard, as he never seemed to play well against Detroit. Listening to his coaches, Rikard simplified his game and focused on his defensive responsibilities. “If I can make my wingers play freely without fear that they would be caught up ice, I don’t mind not getting points, as long as we are scoring as a line.” Rikard theorized. The first game against Detroit was a closely fought contest, with the Timber prevailing 2-1 in overtime with Kyle Sutton scoring 38 seconds into overtime. Rikard did not factor into the scoring play, but was credited with a +1 as he was helping cover breakout passes from Detroit. The second game of the series, Maine blew the series wide open as they routed Detroit to the tune of 6-3. Rikard picked up a goal and an assist in this game as well as helping facilitate breakouts from the defensive zone. Rikard was awarded with a +4 rating this game, on top of his 2 point performance. Rikard continued tilting the ice towards the Detroit net in game 3 and game 4, tallying an assist in game 3, and continuing to rack up +/-s. Maine was able to dispatch Detroit in a sweep, setting up for the second round of the playoffs. With expansion comes a new playoff format, and it became much harder to reach the Four-Star Cup finals, having to play an extra round. Maine was able to get some rest prior to playing Anchorage in the 2nd round of the playoffs. Anchorage had a bye in the first round, and was fresh, waiting for their opponent. Maine was able to win the first game with an unbelievable performance by Leo Bloomfield with a 0.977% save percentage while facing 43 shots. Rikard and the majority of the Timber had a rough game 2 against Anchorage, as they suffered their first loss in the playoffs, 5-3. While Rikard was able to notch an assist in the dying stages of the game, it was not a good showing, with another 38 shots reaching Leo Bloomfield. “We were not generating enough shots on net, and we were being bailed out by Bloomy in net. We can’t just rely on Leo to win us every game” Game 3 was not much different, although Rikard played a stronger game, scoring for the second time this playoffs, but Leo Bloomfield needed to stand on his head again, turning aside 48 of 52 shots against in a losing effort. In a critical Game 4, Maine was unable to stem the tide of shots against Bloomfield once again, as they went down in an offense filled affair, 6-5. Maine was down 3-1 in the series, needing to win 3 in a row to advance to the “Conference” finals. With only elimination games to go, Maine went on a tear to ensure they forced their way into the 3rd round of the playoffs. Rikard dominated in game 5, scoring a goal and an assist while helping to limit the amount of shots Bloomfield saw to a more reasonable 34, as Maine was able to avoid elimination with a 5-1 win. Game 6 was the Kyle Sutton show, as he took over the game with 2 goals and an assist. Patrick Shepherd played the role of hero in game 6 scoring the overtime winner to bring the series to a game 7. In a similar game to game 5, Maine was able to limit shots against while pouring shots on the Anchorage goaltenders and chasing Anchorage starting goaltender Scoochie Stratton in the second period. Maine completes the comeback, and advanced to the 3rd round of the playoffs with another 5-1 win, clawing their way back from down 3-1 in the series. They were not done.

Kelowna was next on deck. They had just dispatched the Colorado Raptors in 6 games to make it into the 3rd round of the playoffs. Rikard’s play had partially redeemed his lacklustre performance in the regular season. In all the playoff games they have played, Rikard has yet to register a single minus rating game. Rikard continued his stellar defensive play against Kelowna, starting the series off with a 4-1 win, tallying an assist. Kelowna would storm back the next two games, defeating Maine in overtime 3-2 in game 2, and 5-2 in game 3. Game 3 would be the first game since the playoffs started that Rikard recorded a -1. Once again down in the series, the resiliency of Maine was put on full display as they stormed back with a 2-1 victory in game 4. Kelowna then put Maine on the brink of elimination once again with a game 5 victory to go up 3-2 in the series with a 5-4 overtime victory. While Rikard has been playing great defensive hockey, his lack of production in the games that Maine had lost weighted heavily on his mind. Once again on the brink of elimination, Rikard, slowly forging an identity of a big game player, came out flying in game 6. After Walton Stromberg opened scoring early in the first period, Rikard took over, scoring twice before the period was over to open a 3-0 lead against Kelowna. Hammarberg would chip in with another assist in the second period as Maine did not let up on the gas and shut out Kelowna 6-0 to force a game 7. Game 7 started ominously enough, with Kelowna scoring within 2 minutes of the first period to open the scoring. Rikard factored in on the tying goal once again, springing Mikkel Asmus Sondergard and Jesse Seppanen on a 2 on 1 that they converted to perfection, and that was all Maine needed, as they kept Kelowna off the scoresheet and moved into the Four-Stars cup final with a 4-1 win.

Rikard has played a ton of hockey since entering the league in S52. In the years that Rikard had been in the league, no team other than Anaheim returned to the finals more than once (Anaheim S52, S54). Rikard now had one more Four-Star Cup to prepare for (Maine S55). It is a testament that while Rikard had been playing on good teams that were able to reach the finals every season, Rikard was also part of those teams and has been instrumental in getting teams to the next level. Maine had a tough opponent ahead of them to overcome to become the Four-Stars Cup Champions in the Newfoundland Berserkers. The Berserkers have been one of the best teams of the past several seasons, with huge contributions to their lineup from all positions and boasting the top scorers in the league in the deadliest first lines in the SMJHL this season in Mats Marner, Ryuuji Minamino and Steve Harrington. Newfoundland tore through the regular season amassing 35 wins, 9 losses, and 6 overtime losses, as compared to Maine’s solid season of 25 wins, 22 losses, and 3 overtime losses. Maine had reached the final boss, and prevailing would need a herculean effort by the whole team to defeat him. Rikard, no stranger to the grand stage of the Four-Star Cup Finals started things off for Maine, 18 seconds in, after winning the first face off and gaining territorial advantage. After some nifty passing plays between Kyle Sutton and Alex Oscarsson, Rikard found himself open in the slot for a slapshot that beat Cale Amundsen blocker side. With his opening salvo igniting the Maine bench, Maine would double their lead 5 minutes later when Will Windsor made a nifty play to sneak past the defender from the corner to roof it on net to bring Maine up by two. Newfoundland would get one back midway through the period to bring the Berserkers within 1. Both sides traded goals in the middle frame, but Maine was unable to keep up the pressure in the last period. Perhaps it was fatigue getting to them, or that Newfoundland was just a better team, Maine would surrender 2 goals to lose the first game 4-3. Maine drew even in the series with a closely fought game winning 2-1 on goals by Rikard Bjerg and Jesse Sappanen, who had been a revelation in these playoffs scoring his 9th goal of the postseason. But just like previous series, Maine needed to rely on their goaltender to bail them out, with Leo Bloomfield posting a ridiculous 0.976 save percentage on 41 shots against. Newfoundland’s top trio took over in game three, scoring a combined 7 points as they routed Maine at home to the score of 5-2 to take the lead in the series 2-1. It felt like the floodgates were beginning to open for Newfoundland as their league best offence got to work. Without Leo standing on top of his head, it seemed like Newfoundland would walk over Maine in this series. Maine put up a good fight in game 4 to even up the series as they once again won with a score of 2-1 with Bloomfield once again standing on top of his head with a 0.973 save percentage on 37 shots against. It was the Leo show and while the Timber were doing all they can to support Bloomfield, it didn’t seem to stem the tide of shots against by the potent Newfoundland attack. Game 5 would go the way of Newfoundland as they continued to pour shots against poor Bloomfield as he was unable to steal the next game away for Maine. Newfoundland poured 41 shots against Bloomfield and solved him for 3 goals, while Maine were only able to reply with goals from top points getter and scorer Kyle Sutton and Jesse Seppanen in return. Game 6 saw the dam finally break as Maine was unable to stem the tide of the Newfoundland attack. The big 3 from Newfoundland tallied for another 8 points as the Newfoundland Berserkers won the Four-Stars Cup against the Maine Timber in 6 games. After two grueling series that went to game 7 in rounds 2 and 3, Maine didn’t have any thing left in the tank to push a fresh and battle hardened Berserker team to a game 7, and Rikard would have to settle for only 1 finals win in 3 attempts. Rikard’s play had rounded out during the playoffs for the Timber, but he felt he had more to give. Despite a respectable stat line of 14 points, 6 goals and 8 assists, with a stellar league leading +19 plus minus rating for the S55 playoffs, while enabling his linemates to shine brightly in offensive roles, Rikard was not satisfied with his performance. He really wanted to repay the faith Maine had given him in trading for him with Anaheim. Coming up just short was a stinger that Rikard still carries vividly on his face when I spoke with him. “We were so close. Yes, Newfoundland was the team to beat, but we were able to get so close. It hurts. This loss definitely stings a bit more. Perhaps its recency bias. But not being able to repay the faith that had been placed on you is something that I will carry for the rest of my career.”

While Rikard can be awfully hard on himself, looking back in his 4 seasons in the simulation major junior hockey league, he can definitely look back on the personal growth that he exhibited throughout his career in the J. He was the only player to play in 3 finals in his 4 years in the league, playing an astonishing amount of games. He was able to lead his team in scoring in his third year and was able to fully experience everything that the SMJHL had to offer including a trade. But that is one thing that you learn about Rikard, and I have been covering him for the past 4 seasons, is that he is always hungry for more. He wants to repay the faith that has been placed upon him, and he wants to be the best team player he can be. He transformed from a lanky middling offensive centerman to an anchor for his teams, playing in every situation, from 5 on 5 to penalty kill to power play. His point totals climbed astronomically the first 3 seasons, even though it dipped upon increased expectations and responsibilities, and a trade in his final season. Things definitely look bright for Hammarberg as he proceeds to enter into the Steelhawks organization as a player, not as a prospect. “Hamilton has helped me every step of the way while I was down in the SMJHL. I have been in continuous contact with the players and coaches in the team to better train myself for the rigors of the SHL. It is the big leagues. I need to be ready. I will bring my defensively responsible game and continue to increase my stamina. I need to not wilt under the heavy checking and the immense pressure of playing against the best of the best. I need to prove that I belong in that league and continue to develop. Hamilton recently won a Challenge Cup. Its my aim to get back to the championship finals as soon as possible.”

Fans of Hamilton and of Rikard Hammarberg both wait excitedly as they anticipate the arrival of the highly touted prospect into the SHL. “I want to thank all the fans from Anaheim that have cheered me on through these past 4 years in the SMJHL and the fans in Maine that took me in like I had been playing for Maine for several seasons. I want to thank those fans that have sent me such encouraging letters of support. I keep them with me in a box back in Anaheim as I finish packing up all my belongings and moving to Hamilton. It will be a tough transition, but I know I am in capable hands and I trust my coaching staff and trainers 100%. There is a chance I start on the wing when I transition into the SHL, but I will continue to play my game and focus on bringing the Challenge Cup to Hamilton. Thank you for all your support and I will see you soon on the ice. I also want to thank all the players that I have played with and the coaches and GMs in Anaheim and Maine. Without your help, I would not be where I am today. From Strom Chamberlain, to Ethan Price, to Taylor Johansson (I’ll see you in the SHL, but first, IIHF!), and Ryu Jones (You carried me more than I carried you!), Anaheim, you had been a blast and the future is bright! Alexander Oscarsson, thanks for letting me crash your place for the stretch run and the playoffs. I owe you meals when you come visit me in Hamilton! For the rest of my Maine Timber squad, I will see most of you soon in international play, and I can’t wait to play with or against you again in the SHL. The future is also bright in Maine and I can’t wait to see you duke it out with Anaheim for Four-Stars Cup Supremacy. I can’t play favorites, but it will be exciting to see regardless!”

You can catch Rikard Hammarberg on the ice next at his final World Junior Championship. There is a chance that he may also be unleashed upon the IIHF World Championships this year as well, as he had been contacted by the Swedish Hockey Federation, awaiting the announcement of the rosters. Rikard Hammarberg is not the lanky Swedish boy hoping to get a shot in a North American league anymore. Rikard has now reached the Simulation Hockey League, and his journey is just beginning.

***Gwdjohnson*** · 09-11-2020, 11:45 AM

Really excited to have you in the team next season! Hammarberg gonna be a stud Steelhawks

***golden_apricot*** · 09-11-2020, 11:51 AM

Hammarberg going to light up the SHL

roastpuff · 09-11-2020, 01:10 PM

It's Hammar time!

jtam · 09-11-2020, 01:55 PM

HAMMAR AND STEEL

Zema · 09-11-2020, 05:20 PM

Thank you for the time in Maine! It was short and ended bittersweet, but having you there for the final push was great. Timber

***Chevy*** · 09-11-2020, 05:25 PM

Solid!

suavemente · 09-12-2020, 12:09 PM

Thanks for your contributions on Maine, it was great having you on the team for our final push!

CementHands · 09-12-2020, 10:07 PM

It was a wonderful journey this season, thank you for being a big part of it. We'd make a trade like that again any day - when someone like Hammarberg is made available you jump at that opportunity.

See you on the ice in the show this season!

Tayjay · 09-17-2020, 12:17 AM

krazko · 09-17-2020, 03:26 AM

Short but sweet, unfortunately didn't end with the cup that we wanted.
Great being your teammate! good luck in the big league!

Timber

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