This article comes to us via the invaluable IceHockeyGifs on Twitter: Red Wings prospect Elmer Soderblom engaged in a “20 Questions” interview with Johannes Haggelund, and here’s a rough translation of Soderblom’s answers to Haggelund’s questions:
1. If you had to pick an aspect from another player in the SHL, whose skill would you pick?
“[Teammate] Ryan Lasch‘s passing game.”
2. Who is your most difficult opponent in the SHL?
“Last year, Moritz Seider (of Rogle) was hard to play. I’m often around the goal and in the corners, and I met him a lot there and it was tough.”
3. What physical exercises do you think are the most fun, and the most boring?
“Bench presses are always fun. It’s one of the most fun exercises. The most boring physical exercises are chin-ups. I’m tall and heavy [Soderblom is 6’8″ and 238 pounds]. They’re not my favorite.”
4. What do you do in the bench press?
“I’ve gotten up to 137.5 kilos [303.13 pounds] this season.”
5. When were you the most starstruck?
“When I met Peter Forsberg at the Globen Arena after we won the Under-18 World Championship [in 2019] in Ornskoldsvik. After that we had to go to the Globen and I met “Foppa.” It’s the most starstruck I’ve ever been.
6. Which arena in the SHL is the most fun to play in? You can’t chose the Scandinavium [Frolunda HC’s home rink]?
“In Skelleftea’s [Kraft Arena], there’s good pressure. I’d say Skelleftea.”
7. If you were going on vacation with a teammate, which one would you choose?
“I’d bring with me the experienced Jens Olsson [who’s 36].
8. What was the last thing that you searched for on Google?
“I Googled the PS5. Whether I could get one. In the shops, most have run out, and I checked to see if I could get one, but I didn’t succeed.”
9. If you could recreate a day in your life, what would it be?
“After the draft [Soderblom was taken in the 6th round by the Red Wings in 2019] and after the first day in Detroit. When I got to see the arena, put on that Detroit jersey and join the camp. Those days were very fun.”
10. What podcasts do you listen to?
“I don’t listen to a lot of people. But I listen to Slapp Sargen, with Robin Figren and Niclas Nordlindh. It’s funny.”
11. How were you at school?
“I wasn’t someone who stood out. I was pretty calm. I usually sat at the back of the class with the boys.”
12. What’s your greatest childhood memory?
“Maybe when I saw my first Frolunda game in the Scandinavium. I remember going there with my grandfather when I was maybe 6 years old. I remember that Frolunda won, but I can’t remember against whom. It was a crowded and good atmosphere.”
13. How many cups of coffee do you drink in a day?
“It varies, but at least one or two, but I don’t have to drink coffee. Sometimes there aren’t any at all, but rarely more than two.”
14. If you’re going to treat yourself to something, what do you buy yourself?
“I’m a big fan of ice cream.”
15. Is there any specific ice cream flavor that you prefer to buy?
“I’m pretty basic when it comes to ice cream. Vanilla and chocolate are fine. Maybe [Hagen-Daazs] Magnum.”
16. How good are you at cooking?
“I’m not that experienced in the kitchen yet. I haven’t cooked much, but it’s something I want to learn.”
17. Have you read a cookbook, or done something similar?
“When I move away from home now and then, I’ll have to cook for myself more. Then I can try to find some recipes and ask others for tips.”
18. When did you move away from home, or are you doing so?
“I’m working on it now. I just have to move in my last piece of furniture.”
19. How did you feel before your move?
“It feels good. It’s going to be fun, I think. A new step in life.”
20. In which household area will you miss mom and dad the most?
“Cooking and laundry, which I have to do myself now, ha ha. But I helped with them at home as well, so it should probably go well.”
A 6th round Steal in my opinion, IMO
His skill set has improved rapidly, if continues easily A STEAL.
6’8″ in the top 9 would be very interesting