Q and A with U.S. National Under-17 Team Sniper Henrik Samuelsson
In the late 80’s and 90’s the mere mention of the name Ulf Samuelsson was enough to send shivers down opposing forwards spines, as the NHL defenseman would eliminate them at any cost, and did whatever it took to win. Now, a new Samuelsson is quickly turning heads in the hockey world, but he is striking fear into the hearts of goaltenders. 16-year-old Henrik Samuelsson has been described as a major, major prospect, and for good reason. In 2009-10, he suited up for P.F. Chang’s U18 team and racked up 12 goals and 35 points in 37 games, which was good enough for 4th overall on the club in scoring despite playing 11 fewer games. Not bad for a kid that was slated to play with the U16 team, but was quickly promoted after putting up 6 goals and 8 points in 8 games. While his older brother Philip, who was selected in the 2nd round (61st overall) by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, is carrying on the family legacy on the blueline, Henrik is letting his sick offensive skill set write a new chapter in the Samuelsson’s hockey household. His hands, vision and shot are described as off the charts, while he already has good size at 6-foot-2, 195-pounds. That, combined with his skating ability, hockey sense, and overall demeanor has NHL scouts licking their chops for the 2012 Entry Draft. While the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings were desperately trying to woo the wunderkind for the upcoming 2010-11 season, he is headed to Ann Arbor, Michigan to play with the U.S. National Under-17 Team Development Program instead. I had a chance to catch up with the young phenom, who is destined to be lighting the lamp in the pros someday, for a quick Q and A.
Obviously being the son of a former stand-out NHL defenseman is a plus, how big of an influence has he been in your development so far?
Henrik: Yes, it has helped out a lot. My dad knows what it takes to make it to the NHL mentally and physically. And he helps me with both aspects of the game.
You are a forward, unlike your famous father and older brother, have you always played up front?
Henrik: Yes, I have been a forward for most of my hockey life. But, I was goalie when I was a mite.
Your offensive abilities are what you are noted for, what would you say are your best attributes as a player?
Henrik: I like to think I have good hands and a hard shot.
Is there an NHLer you mold your game after?
Henrik: Nope
You have committed to play with the US-NTDP this season, instead of going to the WHL’s Oil Kings. Was that a tough decision to make knowing there was a good chance you would have stepped into a top-6 scoring role in Edmonton?
Henrik: Yes, it was a pretty hard decision. They are both great teams in great leagues, but I felt it would be better for me to play with kids my own age.
Do you plan on going the major junior route or collegiate, and if you choose the latter, what schools interest you?
Henrik: I know I am not going major junior, and I am very interested in college. Some include…the University of Miami-Ohio, Notre Dame, Boston College, and Minnesota, but basically any Division 1 school would be great, I’m not too picky (ha/ha).
You attended the Oil Kings main camp last year, how do you feel you did, and who impressed you most?
Henrik: I think I did really good at the camp. I put up a lot of points, and felt really good. Michael St. Croix was the player that impressed me the most.
You’ve scored a ton of goals through your minor hockey career so far, do you have one that stands out as your nicest?
Henrik: In peewees we were up 11-0, and I had 4 goals already in the game. My coach at the time said I couldn’t score anymore unless I did something sick, so I got a breakaway, did the between the legs, and roofed it.
What is the highlight of your young career so far?
Henrik: I’d have to say the highlight would be coming second at Nationals.
Your father won two Stanley Cups with the Penguins, and Philip was drafted by them, if you could choose the NHL club that drafts you in 2012 would Pittsburgh be your top choice?
Henrik: It would be an honor getting drafted into the NHL, doesn’t matter what team, but Pittsburgh is an amazing hockey organization, so I would not have anything against getting drafted there.
What do you like to do in your downtime from hockey?
Henrik: Sleep or play a little PS3.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Henrik: Nope, none that I know of.
A lot of guys like to talk trash on the ice, what is the funniest chirp you’ve heard while playing?
Henrik: Some kid on my team called an opponent a f@g, then he replied, “No I’m not, that’s what you are!” worst comeback ever (ha/ha).
Most embarrassing hockey moment?
Henrik: Falling on the ice, while on a breakaway.
At the NHL combine, it is rumoured they ask some fairly odd questions. What would your answers be if these are to get tossed your way…
‘What would you like better, a gun, or a good poem?’
Henrik: A good poem
‘If you could have dinner with any 3 people you wanted, who would you pick?’
Henrik: Jessica Alba, Jessica Simpson, and Alex Ovechkin.
