By Robin Olausson
”Today, he is not declared one hundred percent healthy. When that’s the case, there is always an uncertainty.”
Those were the words of Swedish U-20 coach Magnus Hävelid about the intended star center Noah Östlund when the World Juniors’ roster was unveiled in early December. The Växjö player was absent due to a concussion.
Östlund took a hit to the head in the SHL game between Växjö and Linköping on November 18. That hit kept him on the sidelines for the past month.
But last week, the 19-year-old was finally declared healthy and joined the Swedish WJC team as they gathered in Ängelholm.
“I feel great. I’m ready to play now, so that’s really exciting,” Östlund said.
Are you one hundred percent or how does it feel?
“Yes, I am. I have participated in a few sessions now, one with Växjö and one here with the national team. So I feel ready to go full force. Everything is gone. It took almost a month so it has been tough weeks but fun to be up and running now.”
Östlund being back is an important bit of news for the team as he was one of Sweden’s best players at the U18 WJC in 2022, when the Swedes won gold after beating the Americans in the finals, and was also a part of the last year’s WJC team. He is expected to play a central role for the Swedish team at the home WJC in Gothenburg. Therefore, it is a relief that the intended star is back.
Was there an uncertainty that you would make it back to the WJC?
“Of course, I got a bit worried. You really don’t want to go back too early when it’s a concussion. But it’s nice that the headache is gone now and that I can play again.”
Östlund came up through the ranks of Södertälje SK, but it was after his move to the rivaling team Djurgården that he quickly made a name for himself. It led to him being chosen 16th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2022 NHL draft.
Last year, Östlund played his first real senior season for Djurgården in HockeyAllsvenskan. He produced 26 points in 37 games and was second in points among junior-aged players in the league, and fourth among Djurgården’s scorers.
For this season, the pivot moved to reigning Swedish champions Växjö Lakers to continue his development. So far, he has seven points in 17 games in the SHL and seven points in seven games in the Champions Hockey League.
“It has definitely been a step up from Allsvenskan,” Östlund said. “I think I have had ups and downs (in my performance), but I think I have grown into the SHL quite well. I have received a lot of help from teammates and coaches, so I really enjoy Växjö.”
SHL is of course a tougher league than Allsvenskan but how has the transition been for you?
“Really, it has been a pretty big step I think. There is a bit more structure and such in the game here. It has been a step to take and quite a bit to get used to.”
Currently, the focus is not on Växjö and the SHL, but on the upcoming World Juniors. Last year ended in disappointment as Östlund & Co. lost a crazy bronze medal game to the USA, 8-7. The center had four points in seven games in the tournament and looks to take a big role on this year’s team.
The Swedish team is looking for revenge after missing out on a medal last year.
“I think we have pretty good confidence. We know we are a damn good team and I think we have good chances to make something good out of it too. We are really psyched.”
With the gathering in Ängelholm, Östlund reunites with his former line-mates and close friends Jonathan Lekkerimäki and Liam Öhgren, who nowadays play in Örebro and Färjestad, respectively. The trio was very successful at the U-18 World Championships in 2022 and has played together several times during their joint time in Djurgården.
You have played well together before, is there a hope that you will be able to play together in a line now during the WJC?
“Well, it’s up to ‘Mange’ (Magnus Hävelid, national team coach) to put together the team. But of course, there is that option there and we know each other really well on the ice so it would be fun to try that.”
Sweden’s group of players born in 2004 has often been described as special and a year and a half ago they won gold at the U18 World Championships, coached by the very same Magnus Hävelid. A total of 14 players from that winning team are included in this year’s WJC squad and just the experience of having won before is something the players carry with them.
“I absolutely think that is something that strengthens us for this tournament. Then we know that the ’05s are a great group too,” Östlund said. “I think if we can get the group together in a good way, then I think it will be a really fun tournament to play.”
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