Photo: Idrottsfoto

Since being selected by the Washington Capitals in the 5th round of the draft in 2017, the career path hasn’t gone the way defensemen Sebastian Walfridsson was hoping for. After two seasons with little playing time for Modo Hockey in the Swedish second division, Walfridsson earlier this summer transferred to league rival Södertälje SK. The competition has been high in Modo, and Walfridsson hopes to get a bigger, more offensive role with Södertälje.

“I’ve had a great time with Modo during the years, recieveing a good hockey education and development. The only negative has been that I haven’t really gotten a real shot in the senior squad. I think I did well when I played with them, but it’s tough to be consistent when you get juggled from junior to senior from game to game”, Walfridsson told Hockeyallsvenskan.se.

“I view the coming season as my first real senior one, despite playing some games the last few years. Also, I want to break away from the defensive role I’ve had.” Despite his reputation as being a solid, defensive-minded defenseman, Walfridsson labels himself as more of a two-way defenseman.

“In Modo I was more of a defensive defenseman, that was what they wanted me to be, and therefore I did it. It’s alright, but I know that I have more of an offensive upside then what I have shown.”, Walfridsson explains further.

Playing time wasn’t the only reason behind choosing Södertälje, but also to move closer to his family, residing in Värmdö. It has been a tough few years for he and his family.

“My dad passed away three years ago from cancer, and now my mom has breast cancer. It feels good to move closer to her. I want to play for her”, Walfridsson says.

Maybe this could be a new start for Sebastian Walfridsson, who is probably doing the right thing by moving to a new team, where he hopefully can reach his high potential, which got him selected to numerous tournaments with the Swedish national team, but also getting him drafted. Let’s hold our thumbs up for him!

By Jesper Svensson

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