Hockeynews.se’s Linnea Andersson reports that Red Wings prospect defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka felt some pangs of missing home as he kept up with his hometown team, Skelleftea AIK, as Skelleftea battled its way to a SHL Championship this past spring…
And ASP suggested that he may end up returning home to play for Skelleftea again…maybe…in 15 years:
The words about Skelleftea AIK: “In 15 years hopefully it will attract me”
Axel Sandin Pellikka played in 68 NHL games during his rookie season in Detroit. But when Skellefteå AIK won the SM-gold, ASP sat in front of his TV in North America – and couldn’t help but feel that he wanted to be there.
Axel Sandin Pellikka experienced a dream season in North America.
The NHL debuted for the Detroit Red Wings, played 68 games and scored seven goals in his first season in the world’s best league.
At the same time, he followed every step of Skellefteå AIK’s path towards the Swedish Championship.
“I sat in a hotel room during the AHL playoffs for Grand Rapids and watched. There were big smiles and many congratulations that I sent away,” he says to Norran.
“You would have liked to join.”
Sandin Pellikka himself was involved in winning SM gold with Skellefteå in 2024, and admits that it roused special feelings to see the former teammates lift the SHL’s Le Mat Trophy again.
“I felt a little little “fomo” (fear of missing out). But it was fun to see too,” he told Norran[‘s Mille Dybro].
The defenseman said he followed Skellefteå’s matches as often as he could, and was never particularly worried about the outcome of the playoffs.
He describes the team’s performance as a total dominance, and believes that he felt that gold would end up with Skellefteå early on.
“Would be the best option.”
Despite the fact that his NHL career has just taken off, there are already thoughts of a return to the SHL later on.
“Maybe in 15 years, of course, it will be time to come home, and Skellefteå AIK would be the best option,” he told Norran.
After a promising debut season, a new season awaits with Detroit – but the feelings for his “parent club” are still strong.
