Red Wings Prospect Kasper Goes Back to School, Sweden
It’s not really breaking news, but Marco Kasper, the top pick of the Detroit Red Wings in the 2022 NHL entry draft, confirms that he is playing in Sweden again this season for Rogle in the SHL.
The eighth overall pick in the draft is doing it to continue his schooling – both as a hockey player on the ice and as a student in the classroom.
One of Kasper’s goals for the 2022-23 campaign is to continue his education and obtain his high school diploma.
“I want to go to the third year (of high school) and graduate,” Kasper told HD-Sporten. “I have always said that I want to do my schooling everywhere. Schools are important to me.”
Marco Kasper, assuming he stays in the SHL for the upcoming season, makes it three high-profile Red Wings prospects who will play for Rögle BK, along with William Wallinder & Theodor Niederbach. #LGRW
Some clips of Kasper from the previous season: pic.twitter.com/kUbqONWPPA
— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) 8 July 2022
Kasper also made the decision not to appear for Austria at the ongoing IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton. As part of the process of resuming his education and picking up where he left off with Rogle, he felt he needed a break from competitive hockey.
“Last season was very long and ended with the senior World Cup (for Austria),” Kasper said. “I want to take some time off, because I haven’t had the chance to do it as much as I wanted. Then I got to go to school too.”
Rogle makes Kasper the center of attention
Kasper’s Rogle teammates this season will include other Red Wings defensemen William Wallinder and forwards Theodor Niederbach.
Kasper’s role with European Champions League winners Rogle grew as the season went on. Rogle coach Cam Abbott expects this trend to continue to expand in the upcoming season.
Fun fact, Marco Kasper’s first SHL point came on a Moritz Seider goal. Easy to imagine this Red Wings draft has Mo’s stamp of approval. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/hctBtxFb3I
— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) 8 July 2022
It also means that Kasper works much more often as the center for Rogle. Center Leon Bristedt was to leave Rogle over the summer. the club chose not to sign a veteran replacement. This seems to create the opportunity for Kasper to move into his natural position on a more regular basis.
“I can see him getting some time in the middle, yes,” Abbott said.
Either way, Kasper’s ultimate game plan is to enjoy every moment of what will be his final season in Europe.
“I try to enjoy everything,” Kasper said.
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