Family Connections [1/2]

[Daniel 565]

 

CARRYING ON THE TRADITION

 

Today brought the news of the declaration of VHL eligibility from a new prospect who is hoping to carry on the family tradition of achievement in hockey.  Theo Karlsson, a left wing from Örnsköldsvik, Sweden is the nephew of SHL veteran Sven Karlsson and the cousin of upcoming SMJHL prospect Daniel Karlsson; although the rest of his family has chosen to pursue their dreams of hockey stardom in the SHL, Theo has opted to instead try his luck in the VHL. A goalscoring forward with a very physical side to his game, Theo brings a strong power forward skill set to the game, having the ability to both make space for his linemates to make plays by laying out big hits and winning the puck, and the skill to score big goals when required. Karlsson plays a different game to the rest of his family, with his uncle being a defensively minded forward but one who typically shies away from being overly physical, and his cousin being more of a dazzling offensive player than any sort of two-way force, and he hopes it is this edge to his game that will make him stand out early on. When asked about his decision to join the VHL as opposed to the SHL, Theo told us: "The decision I made to join the VHL was actually a surprisingly easy one for me. I've grown up watching my uncle play in the SHL and I take a lot of inspiration from him but the global nature of the VHL and the ability to make my mark and play hockey all over the world was an opportunity that was impossible to pass up on for me. I hope I'll be able to make the kind of immediate impact I'm hoping for when I play in the VHLM next season".

 

 

Karlsson will be a prospect in the upcoming VHLM Draft, and although he is hopeful of going to a destination where he will be given some good opportunities eventually, he told us he understood that responsibility might not come for some time, but he was ultimately fine with that. Theo told us "I understand that it will take a lot of time to prove myself in the league and prove that I'm a serious player, who is here for the long haul". Theo has been accused of being something of a flash in the pan during his previous years, not the kind of long term investment a team feels like they can rely on for the long run. It is up to him to prove that things are different and that he can be a consistent and reliable presence. To conclude, Theo stated "I believe I have a lot to offer a team and there is plenty that I can bring to the table. There is a lot of growth required but I think there is quite clearly room for me to grow within myself and become a better player, and I intend on doing exactly that". Theo Karlsson will bring something slightly different to the table than what his family has become known for in the world of hockey, and it could prove to be an interesting journey to watch the progress of. First step, the VHLM Draft.

 

548 words.

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Review:

A great bloodline in that family!  

Good write up on the player and about the draft.