Super Swede: Native of Sweden has found a hockey home in Alaska

Feb. 20, 2007

By Jeremiah Bartz/ Frontiersman

WASILLA - It's been a roller coaster season for the Alaska Avalanche.

The organization has battled through losing streaks, injuries, and great changes in both the lineup and coaching staff.

But through all of that turmoil, one thing has remained constant - the play of Victor Nordenson.

The native of Stockholm, Sweden, came to the organization late - he was signed in October and played in his first game with the club on Oct. 21 - but his presence was known immediately.

Since his arrival, Nordenson is probably the team's most valuable player. He's put up MVP-type numbers. Nordenson leads the club in both goals and points, and he's the only player on the team averaging anywhere near a point per game.

He's had success on the power play - he also leads the team in power-play goals.

He's had success on the defensive side of the ice - Nordenson is one of the best defensive forwards on the squad.

And he's successful off the ice.

&#8220Victor is one of the finest young men I have had the opportunity to coach,” Alaska coach and general manager Keith Morris said. &#8220He's a great student, a real articulate and intelligent guy. His work ethic is unmatched. Game-in and game-out, he plays very hard at both ends of the ice.”

Nordenson is playing hockey outside of his home country for the first time in his career, but the sport didn't take Nordenson directly from Sweden to Alaska. He spent some time in Iowa before finding a home in Alaska.

Nordenson arrived in the United States in September, and spent a month with the Des Moines Buccaneers in the Junior A Tier I United States Hockey League.

&#8220It didn't work out for me down there,” Nordenson said.

Nordenson said he spent most of his time in Des Moines adjusting to the North American style of hockey, a form of the sport different from what he was used to in his native Sweden.

&#8220It's a different kind of play. Back home, it's a little more structured. There's an Olympic-sized rink,” Nordenson said. &#8220Here there are a little bit more battles. You've got to work harder.

&#8220That's one of the reasons I think it didn't' work out too good down in Iowa,” Nordenson said. &#8220I got the month I was there to adjust to the smaller rink, and the new language, and the new country. It's a lot.”

After Des Moines released Nordenson, a contact of former Alaska head coach Dean Larson and assistant coach Corey Millen contacted the Avalanche on Nordenson's behalf. Larson and Millen signed the Stockholm product and brought him to

Alaska.

&#8220Dean and Corey, I owe them a big one to pick me up,” Nordenson said.

In Alaska, Nordenson found many similarities between the state and his home country, like the climate and the darkness in the winter.

&#8220It just felt like home here,” Nordenson said. &#8220I love it.

&#8220The whole organization has been great to me. The coaches, owners, players have been great to me, even though I am a foreigner,” Nordenson joked.

After playing in the Junior Super Elite League in Sweden for much of his junior hockey career, Nordenson opted to head to North American for his final season at this level.

&#8220They told me if I played my last year in juniors (in the United States), I've got an opportunity to play college hockey next year,” Nordenson said. &#8220My ultimate goal is to play Division I hockey next year.”

Nordenson said he has spoken with scouts from a few schools, but it has been a long process.

&#8220I've just got to work hard, and hopefully they like me,” Nordenson said.

Morris is confident Nordenson can contribute at the next level.

&#8220A smart program looking for this type of player should jump at the opportunity to have him on the roster,” Morris said.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.