You heard it here first, folks. Our very own, incredibly handsome, newly cropped, rookie stud Patrik Berglund has gotten a ticket to Switzerland, and will suit up for the Swedish National Team in this year's World Championships. He crosses the Atlantic on a flight that left Lambert Int. at 8 a.m. this morning.
-- We have a good shot at going far, Berglund said to Swedish newspaper Expressen.
When Berglund woke up on Wednesday morning, a text-message had been sent to his cellphone.
-- It was Bengan (Team Sweden coach Bengt-Åke Gustafsson) asking me to call him as soon as possible. Then when I spoke to him he said he wanted me to come over. I had a short discussion with our GM, Larry Pleau, and he told me to go for it.
Gustafsson had this to say about TechoViking:
-- What's most impressing about his stats is his plus/minus. On a team where two thirds of all the players have a minus record, he is plus 19. That's very strong. We´'ll have to wait and see where and with whom we'll play him. I usually have lots of centermen on my teams, so that's no big deal.
Bengt-Åke Gustafsson also tried to bring in the Blues' other Swedish forward, Alex Steen, but Steen turned the offer down, referring to "family issues".
-- Bengt-Åke was very understanding. I'm hoping to take part the next time I get asked, Steen said. He also had some nice things to say about Mr IceBerg:
-- Patrik will bring lots to the World Champinships Team. He has a very hard and fast shot and is a good two-way centerman. He'll be a great reinforcement.
When asked about what he brings to the table, Berglund told the paper:
-- I'm very excited about playing in the World Championships. How many goals I can contribute with, I have no idea, I'll just go in there and play my best.
Are you familiar with the team?
-- I looked it up online.
Who do you think you'll line up with?
-- No idea. I just want to go, play and do a good job for Sweden.
Also, as pointed out by the Prof, David Backes and T.J. Oshie will play for team USA in Switzerland. Every opposing player should be well advised to keep their heads up.
Finally a good reason to follow that sorry excuse of a tournament.