While identity theft is no joke (Jim), Rikard’s Teammates back in Sweden played a giant prank on Hammarberg while he was plying his trade to be scouted and drafted into the SMJHL and the SHL. His team was preparing for their usual game day skate and practice before the game later that night. Unbeknownst to Hammarberg, his team had substituted him with a friend that looked just like Rikard, but Hammarberg did not know him at all. Hammarberg’s teammates got buy in from everyone on the team, including management and the coaches, as well as support staff. Arriving at the rink prior to the game day skate, Hammarberg was flummoxed when he saw a body double sitting in his locker room spot, preparing for practice. Hammarberg laughed and politely asked him to vacate his spot so Hammarberg would be able to get ready for practice. His teammates crowded around the new “Rikard” and mentioned that there was a mistake, and asked security to remove the real Rikard Hammarberg from the arena. Hammarberg was extremely confused and distraught, seeking out management and his coaches, who all were in on the prank and got security to remove Rikard from the premises. They even used the body double for the game that night, and he was able to get a goal. Hammarberg was only let in on the prank halfway through the first period, when management brought him to the press box. Hammarberg had been told he was on his way to the S52 SMJHL draft, and that his futures lie in the SHL. While a Hammarberg felt petrified during this whole ordeal, his whole team congratulated him after the game and cheered him on as he began his SHL career.