The Swedish Hockey League is naturally dominated by homegrown players and differing stages of their careers. The young wannabes hoping to join the NHL, the 20-somethings who have settled in the rhythm of European hockey and the 30-somethings returning from North America hoping to feel their way back into the Swedish game.
I'm going to make a Fantasy Team from this year's crop of Swedes playing in the SHL - two forwards, a centre, two defenseman and, naturally, one keeper. I've not always chosen who I think is the best in each position, but tried to a variation of clubs, backgrounds and stories to give you a feel of the talent on offer this season.
Joakim Lindström (SKE)
Who wouldn't want to have Lindström in their team? The 34 year old, playing in his hometown club had played in the NHL, AHL and KHL and his statistics in the SHL are simply phenomenal- since 2010/11 when he returned to the country after his first stint in North America he has scored more than 1 Point Per Game every season, except one - where he also played in the NHL - that is 300 points in 283 regular season games in total. It means every single game he plays he either scores a goal or creates a game. I think it fair to say he is one of the best Swedish players outside the NHL. Lindström's major weakness his discipline- he consistently picks up more Penalty Minutes in a season than matches played and you can almost guarantee that each year he will pick up a match penalty or two for Checking to the Head or Boarding plus subsequent suspensions.
@ABritOnThinIce1
