Team Sweden dropped their final game of the Channel One Cup today, losing 4-1 to the Czech Republic, but Hockeysverige.se’s Robin Olausson reports that Red Wings prospect Jonatan Berggren made a good impression upon Team Sweden coach Johan Garpenlov in an otherwise lackluster game. What follows is roughly translated from Swedish:
“They let me out of the fitness tests, so that was a bonus”
Jonatan Berggren was selected by the Tre Kronor because Skelleftea wasn’t going to play any SHL games this past week.
It ended with him scoring his first goal at the national team level.
“It is of course a milestone,” says Berggren after today’s game against the Czech Republic.
Sweden had a weak effort in the final game of the Channel One Cup and lost the Czech Republic 4-1.
Johan Garpenlov was dissatisfied with the team’s effort after the game, and forward Jonatan Berggren also believes that there’s a feeling of disappointment within the team after the loss.
“We had good control of the game but weren’t set in our positions. They got shots from their defensemen that bounced a little and got in some easy goals. It’s sour,” says the 20-year-old.
“DOESN’T SCORE MANY GOALS”
Skelleftea’s successful player was, however, one of the few glimmers of light for the Swedish team. He was Sweden’s only goal-scorer in the game and it was his first goal in the Tre Kronor jersey.
“It is of course a milestone. I don’t usually score that many goals during hte season so it’s always fun when you get one. Extra special that it was the first with the Tre Kronor here. It’s just cool.”
The Detroit Red Wings draft pick was also hailed by team captain Johan Garpenlov.
“The whole line has done well in all three games. Good speed, a lot of energy, moves up the game and is good in the attack zone,” says “Garpen.”
Berggren is also pleased with his effort, and he believes that the “Skelleftea line” with Andreas Wingerli and Jesper Froden continued on the same track from their game in the SHL.
“Our entire line has been ruggedly good and offensively created a lot as we play at home with Skelleftea. It proves that what we do here there works here as well.”
HOPE FOR THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Despite the fact that it wasn’t a fun tournament for the Tre Kronor, with two losses in three games, Jonatan Berggren is happy to have been allowed to go to Russia.
He was one of six SHL players who were selected for the team, and he says that it was nice to get away and play international games instead of staying and practicing with Skelleftea.
“I missed some of the fitness tests, so it was a bonus,” says Berggren with a laugh.
Jonatan Berggren is the second-best Swede in the SHL this season with 24 points in 23 games. At the same time, he has been promiment now that he’s been given a chance with the Tre Kronor.
The 20-year-old hopes that it will lead to a spot with the Swedish World Championship team this spring.
“Of course I have a chance now that I’ve been here and shown here. I also think that I’ve shown that what I can do in Skelleftea also works here. I should probably have a good chance if I continue to play as I have,” Jonatan Berggren concludes.
