Q and A with Crafty Swedish Forward Malte Strömwall
Malte Strömwall is simply a magician with the puck, and his skill level is frightening, so it was little wonder the WHL’s Tri-City Americans decided to take a chance and draft the dynamic Swedish forward in the second round (66th overall) in the 2011 CHL Import Draft. This season, he scored 12 goals and 18 points in 21 games in the J18 Elit League, and another 5 goals and 12 points in 18 games in the J18 Allsvenskan League for Linköping. He also suited up for Sweden’s National Under-17 Team, and was one of Linköping’s better players in the J18 Allsvenskan playoffs, with 2 goals in 5 games. Strömwall isn’t overly big, at 5-foot-10, 160-pounds, but he uses his tremendous speed to turn defenders inside out every chance he gets. He has great hockey sense, good vision, excellent puck skills, is very elusive, and competes hard in all three areas of the rink. Not that we should expect anything less, as his father Johan was an exceptional player for Luleå in the Swedish Elite League in the early 80’s and late 90’s, so Malte has some strong bloodlines to say the least. The 16-year-old is simply an energetic player with unmatched passion for the game of hockey, and reminds me a little of the Oilers Linus Omark in the way he dangles with the puck. I had the chance to catch up with the talented winger, who was as fun to chat with as he is to watch, for a quick Q and A.
Your father (Johan) was a very good player back in the day, how has he helped and influenced your game? And, who else has played a part in your development game?
Malte: Yes, that’s right, he gives me a lot of feedback, and he helps me when I go through tough times during the season. My stepfather Fredrik was a good Swedish player in his day also, and he has helped me alot and pushes me everyday.
You are a speedy forward, that has a knack for scoring goals, what else do you see being your best attributes as a player?
Malte: Yes, I like to use my speed to create and score goals. Haha, I think I’m a little bit of a dangler, I work hard every shift, and do everything I can to help the team.
You’ve racked up a ton of goals while playing for your club teams in Linköping, do you have one that stands out as your biggest?
Malte: That would be a goal against AIK, in a tournament back around Christmas time in Stockholm. I took the puck from the defensive blueline, and dangled 3 players, and scored topshelf.
Is there an NHL player you mold your game after?
Malte: I try to play like the St. Louis Blues T.J. Oshie, and like Alex Semin of the Caps.
What is the highlight of your young career thus far?
Malte: I’d have to say playing with the Swedish National Team for the first time, and getting drafted by the Tri-City Americans.
You were selected by the WHL’s Tri-City Americans in this years CHL Import Draft, do you plan on playing with them this year, and what can fans expect from you?
Malte: Yes, that’s true. I’m gonna play for the Americans this season, and they can expect a hard working left winger, who can score some goals, and make some nice moves.
With 2012 being your NHL Draft year, do you feel any added pressure to perform next season?
Malte: Yes, a little, I want to play good and develop as much as I can. The draft is just a bonus, of course I look forward to getting drafted, but like I said before it’s just a bonus if I do. I have no expectations either way.
If you could pick the team that drafts you, who would you choose?
Malte: It would just be an honor to be drafted to any NHL team, but I follow the Edmonton Oilers as they are my favourite team, so I’d have to say Edmonton.
Who, in your opinion, is the best player you’ve ever played with and against?
Malte: The best player I have played with would be Joachim Nermark or Filip Forsberg, and against would be Mika Zibanejad or Pontus Åberg.
What does your summer look like as far as training and hockey is concerned?
Malte: I practise 5-6 days in the week, and I have been in the gym often. I have been on the ice pretty much the whole summer thus far.
What do you like to do in your downtime from hockey?
Malte: I like to hangout with my friends and play street hockey, and just take it easy.
A lot of players like to talk trash on the ice, what is the funniest chirp you’ve heard while playing?
Malte: I don’t know, I try to focus on the game. I have heard a lot, but I couldn’t pick the best chirp I have heard. Maybe it was my teammate Hampus Forsling, he has a pretty big mouth, and asked a guy if he had heard of the Biggest Loser every game we played against them, becouse he was so fat (ha/ha).
What is the first thing you’d buy after signing your first pro contract?
Malte: Not sure, I guess I would buy a new car and some nice electronics, like the newest Mac computer.
Most embarrassing song on your iPod?
Malte: I think that would be “Fest Hos Mange-Mange Makers,” it’s a Swedish random DJ, and a Swedish party song (ha/ha).
Most embarrassing hockey moment?
Malte: Haha, I was 13, and before a game I forgot to take my skateguards off, so I fell on the ice as soon as I stepped out.
