Arvid Johansson Junior Review

[Gwdjohnson 40]

One of the newest hot prospects in the VHLM, defenseman Arvid Johansson, has been making many waves leading up to the coming VHLM Draft. The young blueliner out of Göteborg, Sweden is touted as one of the better young starlets of the upcoming draft, and has caught the eyes of many in his short stint playing with the Halifax 21st in the VHLM.

 

Johansson representing his home nation of Sweden at a youth level international tournament.

 

Coming up at youth level in Sweden, Johansson was part of his hometown team, Frölunda HC. He came up through their academy starting at a very young age, and was just starting to make his breakthrough towards Frölunda's main team, but eventually decided it would be better for his ambitious career to get right into the system of the world's elite as quickly as he could. In the academy, he was largely considered one of, if not the most promising player Frölunda had with them, due to his great awareness and hockey IQ, a positive of his that outshines a large majority of defensemen his age.

 

A VHLM scout talking about his game in Sweden during a U17 international competition had this to say about him:

"Arvid is a terrific talent and he definitely has a high ceiling at the top level. He impresses every scout that watches him play with his instincts and hockey IQ. 'Hockey IQ' is something that tends to get thrown around pretty liberally when talking about prospects, but this kid really brings a lot of it to the table, more than I am used to seeing from prospects his age. His offensive game still needs some work and polishing, but he has a great base set for himself as a prospect by being so intelligent in his own end and generally knowing all the right decisions to make."

 

Johansson when asked about why he chose to leave for the VHL before really breaking through in Frölunda said that it is more exciting for him to put his skills to the test at the highest levell right now. He added that making the VHL in the end would always be his end goal, so it would be more worth it to try and get ahead and get involved with the league now.

 

It is unknown if Halifax plan on making Johansson's stint with the team permanent after he signed with them for the rest of the regular season, but regardless of who drafts him early signs show that they will land a prospect with much to be excited about.

 

(429 words)

[TheCHEESE 37]

Loved it! Great use of Pictures and Paragraphs! 8/10