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| Simon Holmstrom, the Sound Tigers' first-round draft choice last year, is one of the youngest players to lace up in Bridgeport history at 18. |
By Sam Fryman and
Alan Fuehring / Bridgeport Sound Tigers
BRIDGEPORT—Simon Holmstrom takes the ice at Webster Bank Arena with
the type of confidence that betrays his actual age. He’s only 18—and holds the
distinction of being the youngest player to ever suit up for the Bridgeport
Sound Tigers’—but doesn’t act like it.
Holmstrom is typically one of
the last players off the ice on practice days, constantly working on his wrist
shot that scouts say is among his most lethal weapons. He certainly has the
talent, skill and drive that led to the New York Islanders selecting him 23rd
overall in last June’s NHL Draft, but the teenager knows he has to work harder
than ever to reach the next level, hence the extra hours at the rink.
He’s quiet, but not shy. When
asked whether he has the confidence to play in North America this season,
Holmstrom was blunt.
“Of course, otherwise I
wouldn’t have come here,” Holmstrom said. “I don’t think the staff and the
organization would let me come here if they knew I wasn’t ready for it.”
The Islanders chose Holmstrom
with their first pick in Vancouver last summer, making the Tranas, Sweden
native one of four Swedes taken in the opening round. It was the thrill of a
lifetime for the youngster.
“I think I went through all of
the emotions,” Holmstrom said, grinning widely. “From nervous and anxious to
pure excitement. It was an amazing experience and something I’ll never
forget.”
One of the biggest reasons
that the Islanders selected Holmstrom was due to his silky-smooth skating
ability and quick hands for scoring. But they also chose him for his speed,
with the NHL, AHL and other leagues all over the world shifting to a faster
game. The quickness of the North American style hasn’t surprised Holmstrom and
continues to work on adjusting to a more physical game.
“It’s already a pretty
high-speed game there [in Sweden], but here everyone’s a lot bigger and really
strong so that’s the biggest part to figure out,” Holmstrom said.
Holmstrom earned his first
point with the Sound Tigers on Saturday, Oct. 12 in a high-tempo road game
against the Charlotte Checkers, assisting on fellow Islanders prospect Arnaud
Durandeau’s first professional goal. As was the case in training camp, the
young forward is taking it all in stride and applying any lessons he can the
game that consumes his time.
“First and foremost, he’s a
great kid,” head coach Brent Thompson said. “He’s a likeable guy who wants to
learn and wants to get better. Overall you see some really positive things as
far as his vision.”
Thompson is confident that Holmstrom
can develop into a top-six role as the year goes on, even though there will
undoubtedly be some growing pains.
“He makes those subtle little
passes that a lot of people probably don’t notice, but our team and our staff
notice all the time,” Thompson said. “He fits in very well with our group. The
guys kind of look at him like he’s their little brother.”
Hockey is all that Holmstrom
has ever wanted to be involved in. Simon’s father Jonas also grew up around the
game, playing for his hometown team, Tranas AIF, in Sweden’s top division for a
decade. Jonas scored nearly 350 career points before becoming an assistant
coach in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) for Simon’s club each of last two
years.
While his dad is the biggest
mentor and motivator at home, Holmstrom has found many leaders and friends to
lean on with the Sound Tigers as well. One player that is very familiar with
Holmstrom’s international move is 23-year-old defenseman Sebastian Aho, who
came over from Sweden prior to the 2017-18 campaign.
“He doesn’t need much advice
from me,” Aho said. “On the ice, everybody can see how good of a player he is.
He’s already got the raw talent and desire that it takes to play well over
here. I’m excited to see him develop and take steps forward every day.”
Perhaps Aho can better assist
off the ice, helping to ease the transition to living in North America. After
all, he’s still closer to his high school graduation than being able to rent a
car—and moving across the Atlantic is a transition for a player of any age.
“But of course, I try to
always be there for him and help out and explain things that he doesn’t really
understand yet,” Aho added. “It’s easier when we both speak the same language.”
Many of Holmstrom’s veteran
teammates have encouraged the teenager to just be himself and focus on building
relationships within the team. He’s also been instructed to get out and explore
the northeast, trying new foods and adapting to the American culture—although
American food has certainly been one of the biggest adjustments early on.
“I’m a big burger guy, so
maybe I’ll have to try some good burgers,” Holmstrom said. “Maybe that will
turn out to be a good luck charm.”
That’s all secondary for
Holmstrom, who won’t need Big Mac luck if he continues to put in the hours at
the rink. His focus is set firmly on becoming a strong, steady force in
Bridgeport’s forward core.
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