Sweden's Backlund setting sites high
Bill Meltzer | NHL.com correspondent
Jun 18, 2007, 12:00 PM EDT
Earlier this year, the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation compiled an honor roll of the top 25 Swedish players in history. At the top of the charts was Peter Forsberg in first place, followed by Mats Sundin.
Like most young Swedish players, 2007 Entry Draft prospect Mikael Backlund dreams of someday being mentioned in such illustrious company. But unlike the vast majority of his counterparts, the second ranked European prospect on Central Scouting’s final ratings, expresses quiet confidence that he will someday get there through old-fashioned hard work.
“I want to be the best. I want to be as big as Foppa and Mats Sundin,” the Västerås native told his hometown newspaper, Vestmanlands Läns Tidning (VLT). “I’ll train extra hard, harder than all the rest. I always do my best and I never give in.”
Backlund, a center, put up modest rookie numbers in Allsvenskan (top Swedish minor league) for Västerås IK in 2006-07, scoring just one goal and three points in 18 games. But there were some extenuating circumstances.
The player was bothered by a knee injury for much of the season, which curtailed his effectiveness upon his return (characteristic of most hockey players, the youngster refuses to use it as an excuse). Skating is a big part of the 6-foot, 195 pound Backlund’s game and the extra gear wasn’t there until late in the season.
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Sweden's Backlund setting sites high
Sweden's Backlund setting sites high
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