Red Wings prospect and 2020 draft pick William Wallinder spoke with Rogle BK’s website’s Peter Ekholm regarding his performance over the course of two Champions Hockey League games this past week. Wallinder, a defenseman, is attempting to break into the SHL as a 19-year-old, and here’s a rough translation of his interview:
William Wallinder played defense in the two CHL games last week. Now he hopes for continued confidence as Rogle prepares for road trips to Switzerland and Germany.
In the CHL games, against Zug and Munich in Halmstad (Sweden) last week, Rogle’s new acquisition, William Wallinder, was able to seriously display his hockey skills. The 19-year-old defenseman got the chance to play next to Samuel Johannesson, and he took measures into his own hands.
“It was fun to step into the CHL for the first time. It was just fun to be there and fun that we got two wins for us. My game is just moving forward,” says Wallinder.
Wallinder played just over 9 minutes against Zug, and fired a shot on goal. His playing time increased in the game vs. Munich, playing 11:34.
“He played very well overall. He’s taken some steps [forward] these past few weeks, is more involved in the game and shows a good sense of play with the puck. There are some details in his defensive game that we need to address, but we will work on that in the future. He looks good,” says Rogle’s assistant coach, David Prtintz.
Wallinder joined Rogle from MoDo [of the Swedish Allsvenskan] before this season. MoDo plays in the Allsvenskan, so the step up to the SHL and CHL level is different than what he’s been used to before.
“I try to be careful and to play simply. I don’t try to do anything risky, but instead, make simple decisions and play tough in my own zone,” says Wallinder.
During the 2020 draft, Wallinder was selected by the Detroit Red Wings, 32nd overall. Nowadays, teams follow their NHL draft picks closely. And, together with Red Wings development manager Niklas Kronwall, Wallinder and Printz are working to develop the young defensive talent here in Sweden.
“We have constant dialogue,” says Printz about the collaboration with Kronwall. “We also have similar reviews regarding what he needs to work on. I hope we can work on that every day. He must also have the drive to do a lot of the work himself. That’s what it takes to choose to become a top player.”
“We talk a lot every day. He gives me some tips, and so on. We have good communication,” says Wallinder.
William Wallinder has felt the pulse of the CHL, and if his development continues to move forward, there will probably be more of that kind of play in the future.
“He has a chance to contribute to this team and our future. Wallinder seems to have a very positive future picture,” says Printz.
