Taking a brief look at William Strömgren & Sweden’s WJC schedule
On December 7, it was announced that Flames prospect William Strömgren had been named to Sweden’s 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship roster. Strömgren had previously represented Sweden internationally at the U18 WC.
Drafting Strömgren
With the Calgary Flames holding the 45th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft, general manager Brad Treliving selected the two-way winger. A product of Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, Strömgren weighed in at 6’3″ and 175 lbs at the time of his draft year and has entered this calendar season with a larger frame, weighing in at 181 lbs.
During his draft year, the main assets to his skill set—noted by scouts—were his skating ability and his puck handling ability. He is known more as a shooter rather than a playmaker as he has a fairly quick and accurate release. Beyond that, his vision on the ice in his ability to set up his teammates was another positive trait highlighted by scouts.
Post-draft development
After the draft, the road so far has not been easy for Strömgren as he has juggled through a few teams over the past two seasons. Strömgren failed to make the cut and cement a clear spot with Rögle BK in the SHL in the 2021–22 season and later decided to leave the organization early this fall. Strömgren has since cracked a spot with Brynäs IF in the SHL, where this season he has turned into a regular bottom-six winger for the club as a 19-year-old. He currently has two goals and three assists on the year, through 26 games played so far.
It should be noted that Strömgren’s role on the ice is basically centered around input in defensive situations. Since his numbers aren’t exactly the most attractive, he will likely take on the responsibility of doing what he can in a similar bottom-six role for the junior national team.
Sweden’s WJC schedule
Sweden will compete in Group A of the tournament, which begins this Boxing Day, along with Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria. They are set to play two matchups before the tournament; the first was on December 21 against the United States and then on December 23 against Switzerland. Puck drop for both games at 12:30pm MST.
Sweden’s group stage schedule:
Dec. 26 vs. Austria, 11:30 a.m. MST
Dec. 27 vs. Germany, 11:30 a.m. MST
Dec. 29 vs. Czech Republic, 11:30 a.m. MST
Dec. 31 vs. Canada, 4:30 PM MST
Keeping track of Strömgren
For Flames fans, this will be an opportunity to see Strömgren in action to see if they can see what the scouts saw when they drafted him as well. Let’s see how he does in the tournament.