U18 Ivan Hlinka Tournament: Sweden Part 2

Marcus Johansson (2009), LW, Farjestad

First-line winger provided a sound game with his main strengths being his hockey sense and playmaking ability .. displays good hands in all categories whether it be passing, shooting or puckhandling .. an excellent skater with a second gear of quickness .. a calculating player, very efficient in terms of his approach to the game much like his linemate Lucas Sandstrom, but is even more dangerous with the puck because of his size and strength .. plays with intensity but is not physical, something he can certainly develop .. makes such quick plays at times, which often go unfulfilled as his teammates are not fast enough to capitalize on them .. has all the makings to be a successful NHLer based on this performance. Tournament Stats: 4-1-0-1, 2PIM, PLUS-2

Lucas Sandstrom (2008), C, Mora

An intelligent player with a good touch down low and the patience to find the open man .. like a chess player, he displays an innate ability to see the play unfold many moves in advance .. propelled by a short compact stride that generates adequate speed .. thrives in traffic and along the boards where his balance serves him well to make plays .. not a physical presence, however doesn't allow himself to get pushed around either as his wiry frame allows him to endure some beatings .. first-line center complimented his linemates with his solid all around play. Tournament Stats: 4-0-0-0, 6PIM, MINUS-1

Joakim Mattsson (2008), RW, MoDo

Slightly undersized assistant captain was put on the third line to help balance the scoring .. showcased a potent offensive skillset and also some jam to his game .. can play with the puck in tight spaces and makes nice plays off the boards .. thinks the game well and doesn't rush things .. his patience with the puck can infuriate the opposition who think they have him covered as he suddenly finds another option .. played on all special teams, his work on the PK aided by his first-step quickness and strong counter-attacking capabilities - adept at intercepting passes and springing in the other direction .. Tournament Stats: 4-0-0-0, 2PIM, PLUS-1

Anton Myllari (2009), D, Vasteras

Sweden's youngest player on the backend impressed with his puck control and shot power and was consequently rewarded with ample minutes on the second PP unit .. made impressive offensive contributions considering his young age .. boasts a booming shot, however he needs to show more confidence in getting it off .. shows his youthful exuberance at times .. gets carried away and wants to do too much on occasion, as he appears to be a player who is accustomed to having a free rein .. certainly the future of Swedish hockey on the blueline. Tournament Stats: 4-0-2-2, 2PIM, MINUS-1

Tim Erixon (2009), D, Skelleftea

The son of former NHLer Jan Erixon and the second `91-born defender on the roster .. focused on doing something positive every shift, a simplified approach which earned him high praise and ample minutes .. possesses a decent shot from the line which he didn't always showcase .. his defensive-zone coverage was horrendous at times as his limited reverse movement was exposed, allowing forwards to easily gain the zone and walk directly into prime scoring spots .. yet on other shifts he managed to deliver some impressive hits, lining up his man perfectly .. like most young defenders, he lacks consistency and strength, but fortunately time is on his side. Tournament Stats: 4-0-1-1, 2PIM, PLUS-3

Erik Karlsson (2008), D, Sodertalje

Pint-sized defender is a daring player who readily takes chances to advance the puck into the offensive zone .. accelerates quickly and has good straightaway speed but doesn't have great balance for pivots or leg strength for power .. doesn't do anything fancy but handles the puck well when skating out of his own end .. saw some time on the PP due to his capable puck distribution skills .. will stick up for himself and teammates if a skirmish ensues .. the kind of defender that will make others around him better and with a sudden growth spurt, may be of value to an NHL team looking to add a depth defender. Tournament Stats: 4-0-1-1, 8PIM, PLUS-0

Filip Norman (2008), RW, Djurgarden

Diminutive winger played a steady and reliable game .. held his spot on the first line throughout the tournament, a compliment to his ability to function effectively at both ends of the ice .. not a flashy player, but still effective as he understood his role and played well both within his own limitations and within the team concept .. utilizes a short stride that generates enough speed for him to get to open ice .. very annoying to play against, creates a general disturbance with his pesky style of play .. like an insect, he is everywhere on the ice and not in one spot for too long .. showed good face-off prowess when called upon .. a role player with considerable work to do .. faces uphill battle due to his lack of size. Tournament Stats: 4-0-0-0, 0PIM, PLUS-0