PRE-DRAFT INTERVIEW – Ebbe Björner: "I Want to Win the Title I Dreamed of as a Kid"
By: Jessica Raynor
Published ahead of the 2025 SHL Draft
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Jessica Raynor – From backup in the SMJHL to being without a team and banned – to now making it to Sweden's U20 team. Ebbe Björner's journey has been long and filled with setbacks. But now, he stands here, more focused than ever, with gratitude shining through.
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You're part of Sweden's U20 team as the second goalie. What does that mean to you, especially after everything you've gone through?
– It means everything. Being part of the U20 team is a confirmation that I'm on the right path again. It feels like proof that I've fought my way back from everything that's happened. Of course, I'm not where I want to be yet, but I'm getting there. And putting on that national team jersey... it's something I've dreamed of my whole life.
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You were a backup goalie for Nevada Battleborn and got the chance to show what you could do when you finally got the start. How did you view your role there?
– I knew I was second choice, but I approached every game I got as if it could be my last chance to prove myself. I was determined to make the most of it. And when I finally got to play, I gave it my all and started to feel like I was becoming the goalie I always wanted to be. It was a valuable learning experience for me.
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Then, everything changed. Your comments about the LGBTQ+ community led to you being kicked off the team. What happened?
– It was a really tough time for me. I wasn’t doing well mentally, and there were a lot of personal struggles going on with my family back home in Leksand. I was carrying a lot of anger, sadness, and anxiety, and I didn’t know how to deal with it. Instead of seeking help, I took it out on others. It was wrong, and I deeply regret it. I understand why people reacted the way they did, and I’ve learned a lot from that experience.
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How have you moved forward from that time?
– I’ve been lucky to have support from a lot of people around me. I really want to thank Noxu and Tmoney, the coaches for the U20 team, for giving me a second chance. They haven’t helped me personally, but being selected for the team and getting that second shot meant the world to me. It gave me a renewed sense of purpose. I also have to thank o1playz, the goalie for Detroit Falcons. He’s been a huge inspiration to me and has been instrumental in helping me get back on track, both physically and mentally.
– And then there's Sara, my girlfriend. She’s been my rock through everything. She’s always been there for me, no matter what. She’s pushed me to keep fighting for my dreams, even when it felt like everything was falling apart. I’m so grateful to have her by my side.
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Now you're part of the U20 team – and the draft is coming up. What drives you forward now?
– What drives me is that I want to be the best goalie in SHL history. And there's one goal I've had my whole life – I want to win the title with Baltimore Platoon, the team I grew up cheering for. It’s been my dream since I was a kid, and I want to do everything I can to make it happen.
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You’ve shared a powerful memory from your childhood that shaped that dream. Can you tell that story again?
– I think I was about eight years old. I was sitting on the couch at home in Leksand with my two older brothers and my dad. We were watching the semifinal between Baltimore and Hamilton Steelhawks. When Ekaterina Valieva scored in sudden death… we all jumped up from the couch and screamed with joy. Baltimore made it to the finals, but unfortunately, we lost 4-1 in the series to San Francisco Pride. It was tough, but at the same time, something sparked inside of me. I told myself, One day, I’m going to win that title for Baltimore.
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What do you want to say to those who are still disappointed in you, or maybe even angry?
– I completely understand their feelings. I don’t have the right to ask for them to forgive or forget what happened. But I hope that over time, I can show them that I’ve changed. I want to make things right. I want to honor the second chance I’ve been given and show that I’m a better person and player now.
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If you get drafted – what’s the first thing you’ll do?
– First thing, I’ll call my dad and say, We’re back, Dad. And then I’ll watch Valieva’s sudden-death goal again. After that… the real work begins.

I want to win the title with Baltimore Platoon, the team I grew up cheering for. It’s been my dream since I was a kid, and I want to do everything I can to make it happen.

u know what to do @Wally

Aleksandr Iskandrov || C || Hamilton Steelhawks || Vancouver Whalers || 806 TPE
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SMJHL Career Stats
S64: GP: 66 G: 6 A: 17 P: 23
S65: GP: 66 G: 11 A: 35 P: 46
S66: GP: 66 G: 37 A: 51 P: 88
S67: GP: 66 G: 35 A: 52 P: 87
TOTAL: GP: 264 G: 89 A: 155 P: 244
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SMJHL Playoff Stats
S64: GP: 12 G: 2 A: 4 P: 6
S65: GP: 4 G: 0 A: 2 P: 2
S66: GP: 11 G: 3 A: 8 P: 11
S67: GP: 5 G: 3 A: 2 P: 5
TOTAL: GP: 32 G: 8 A: 16 P: 24
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SMJHL Achievements
S67 Wollker Division Champion
S66 Jared Hanson Trophy (Regular Season Points Leader)
S66 Raymond Lindsay Trophy - Award Given to the Most Outstanding Player as Voted by the Players
S66 Ideen Fallah Trophy - Award Given to the Most Outstanding Player as Voted by the Awards Committee
S66 All Star Team
S67 All Star Team
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WJC stats
S64 ICE: GP: 12 G: 3 A: 4 P: 7
S65 RCL: GP: 12 G: 1 A: 3 P: 4
S66 RCL: GP: 12 G: 6 A: 3 P: 9
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IIHF stats
S67 RUS: GP: 12 G: 1 A: 0 P: 1
S68 JPN: GP: 12 G: 2 A: 1 P: 3
S69 JPN: GP: 12 G: 2 A: 3 P: 5
S70 JPN: GP: 12 G: 4 A: 1 P: 5
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IIHF Playoff stats
S67 RUS: GP: 3 G: 0 A: 0 P: 0
S69 JPN: GP: 1 G: 0 A: 1 P: 5
S70 JPN: GP: 3 G: 4 A: 1 P: 5
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IIHF Achievements
S70 JPN: Bronze Medal (General Manager and Player)
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SHL Statistics
S68 HAM: GP: 66 G: 23 A: 30 P: 53
S69 HAM: GP: 66 G: 20 A: 30 P: 50
S70 HAM: GP: 66 G: 35 A: 46 P: 81
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SHL Achievements


Enlightened Centrist || C || Colorado Raptors
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SMJHL Career Stats
S79: GP: 0 G: 0 A: 0 P: 0

Hey @Marmelad, I’m the sole GM of the Baltimore Platoon, and unfortunately we do not have room for another goaltender at this time. Sorry!

Unsure why Wally was tagged here, he hasn’t been in the league or active since 2019.