C - Gunnar Vikingstad (S100)
PROSPECT SCOUTING REPORT
Son of former Continental Cup Champion, Ola Vikingstad, Gunnar is no less of a force to be reckoned with. At 21 years old, this monster of a centreman stands at 6'8" and 250lbs. Gunnar hopes to make a big splash in the VHL, come time for his draft, following in his father's footsteps. Gunnar was born in S77, while his father was playing for the Helsinki Titans. In an interesting turn of events, Ola's wife, Beaviss Vikingstad, elected to have Gunnar at the B.C. Children's Hospital in Vancouver, making Gunnar a Canadian Citizen. Despite this, Gunnar spent most of his life in Sweden, where his father spent his retirement years as a fisherman.
Like his father, Gunnar is a big and menacing two-way forward. His VHLM career so far has been underwhelming, putting up 0 points in 8 contests, but as is expected from playing sub-10 minutes a game in a new country and on a new team. We hope to see Gunnar put up some points soon, once he gets a better feel and understanding of the VHL(M) game.
From our scouting reports on Gunnar during his development in Sweden, we can say for certain he is a strong skater, with a reliable shot, and excellent checking ability. On the flip side, it is evident that his discipline, faceoff ability, and passing could use some focus in training sessions. Despite his large frame, Gunnar has managed to fill it in nicely, putting on 250lbs of mass. An ode to his work ethic, Gunnar does not let his size or weight slow him down, and can match up with most skaters he plays against. His strength and checking ability will make for an excellent two-way centre in the upcoming season, for whatever team that ends up drafting him.
Gunnar appears to be lining up to fight for a spot in a very stacked draft class, hoping to be drafted as high as possible. Gunnar vows to continue his training and development throughout his career, crediting his workethic to his father. Gunnar is a loud locker room presence, jovial in nature, but fierce on the ice. It is our expectation to see Gunnar go anywhere between the mid and late first round of the upcoming draft, and to see him develop into a top-line centerman at the peak of his hopefully succesful VHL career.
We wish Gunnar Vikingstad the best of luck, and beleive he has a very bright future ahead of him in the VHL and VHLM.