The Sarnia Sting announced Wednesday that Hugo Leufvenius will be joining the team for the upcoming season.
Leufvenius, selected 22nd overall in the most recent CHL Import Draft, is expected to arrive in Sarnia in mid-August and join the team for the start of training camp.
The 6'3", 218 lbs forward spent the 2016-17 campaign with Linköping HC J20 of the Swedish SuperElit league, scoring six goals and 19 points in 42 games.
Leufvenius told BlackburnNews.com, from his native Sweden, that the North American style of hockey suits his game nicely.
"To play hockey in Canada was always something I wanted to do and I can't wait to get started," says Leufvenius. "I'm a big guy so I think I'm a better fit on the smaller ice, moving to Sarnia will be a great opportunity for me to develop."
He says the move to Sarnia will help him better prepare for the work load of professional hockey.
"That's how I see it, the OHL is a great league to develop. With more games in the OHL it will help you get ready for the next level" says Leufvenius.
Leufvenius describes himself as a two way forward who can play both centre and on the wing, capable of playing a physical style of game while also contributing offensively.
General Manager Nick Sinclair is excited to see the big forward in the Sting lineup.
“He is a big kid with a great compete level and we believe that he will be a solid addition to the group we have coming back this year. He will bring an important element to the team with his combination of size, grit and hockey sense,” Sinclair says. “We’ve watched him play on the international stage for the last few years and were happy to select him with the 22nd overall pick. He’s anxious to come to Sarnia and be a part of what we’re building here.”
The 18-year-old joins Adam Ruzicka as the two import picks on the Sting roster for the upcoming season.
Sarnia's forward group is looking strong heading into the season. Jaden Lindo is the only player from last year who isn't eligible to return, he's committed to play at Queen's University in the fall.
Sting training camp opens on August 28.