Jesper Stromberg
It's no surprise that Jepser Stromberg would end up playing professional hockey. Born in Helsinki, his father was an amateur scout for the Philadelphia Flyers Organization. When he was four years old, his family moved to Kuopio, Finland after the elder Stromberg got a front office job with the KalPa hockey club. Naturally, Stromberg would spend his youth and junior years playing with this organization. He stood out at every level, impressing coaches and scouts with his fluid skating and dynamic playmaking abilities.
While playing for KalPa U18, a VHL amateur scout named Niels Skovgaard approached Jesper with an offer to play in the VHLM next season. After much deliberation, Stromberg was ecstatic to take this offer. He said that his main reasons for choosing the VHL was the ability to play hockey all around North America and Europe, along with the chance to play for his hometown Helsinki Titans.
Stats:
Jersey Number: 72
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 197 lbs.
Strengths
Skating: Most scouts agree that Stromberg's skating is his biggest tool coming into the draft. His ability to avoid hits and elude players is what really sets his game apart from other skaters on the ice. This can draw players out of position and set up his team for advantageous breakouts and odd-man rushes.
Playmaking: While many elite defensemen use their above-average skating abilities to set themselves up for shots, Stromberg would rather set his teammates up with smart passes. This trait also allows him to stay in position better to be able to transition better to back check if the play goes the other way.
Transition: Again stemming from his elite skating, Stromberg is rarely caught out of position in the offensive or neutral zones, and is easily able back check against the rush. While his defensive zone play is nothing extraordinary, the fact that he doesn't give up many disadvantageous rushes certainly makes up for this.
Weaknesses
Shot: Stromberg's shot is currently the one attribute keeping him from being a top level powerplay defenseman. While he currently has all the other tools to succeed in this position, this is the one thing he needs to improve. Luckily for him, most scouts consider shooting to be one of the most easily improved skills.
Physicality: While not undersized at 6' 1", 197 lbs, Stromberg does not use his body very much to lay hits on the opponents. He can also be a little weary to get into corners in the defensive zone, rather preferring to stay outside the scrum for the chance to lead a possible breakout.
Leadership: Both on and off ice leadership needs to improve for Stromberg to succeed in the VHL. Although English is not his native language, he should be able to speak it at a level to lead his teammates. Many former teammates consider him the quiet guy in the locker room.
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