RW/LW Albert Sjoberg,6'0"174lbs (Sodertalje SK, J20, SWE): 18gp/10g/3a/13pts,33PIM, which is 10th for players under the age of 18, and tied for 1st in goals. 9th in goals for the entire league, playing 2nd/3rd line minutes. His play earned him 17 games in the Allsvenskan, a men's league, where he played 4th line minutes and scored a goal. He also played in the U-18s, with 3pts in 7 games. He plays a lot of PK, and is quite good at it. Sjoberg plays a very straight-ahead, hard-working energy game, and is a bit of a pest and agitator.
Sjoberg, as mentioned, has tons of energy and makes an impact every game. He's fearless, with a very high compete, and excellent work ethic. Despite his average size, he wins battles all over the ice-he will be scary when he fills out and gets stronger, although he's quite strong already. He has good skills, including his stickhandling, which is considered above-average. He owns a hard shot with accuracy. Sjoberg throws himself into the middle of all the battles, trying to capture the puck-he's great in the corners and along the boards, and isn't afraid of the dirty areas. Always seems to be in the right place all the time. He's equally good on the forecheck as the backcheck-he's more than a handful to deal with. Drives the net with purpose. He has very good speed, and keeps his feet moving- good first-step and acceleration. Defensively, he's aggressive and works hard, without over-committing. He blocks shots with no hesitation, and has an effective stick. The way he played in the U-18s, and the way he was talked about, kind of reminds me of Ville Neiminen.
Sjoberg needs to fill out and get stronger, and he will be a monster, and it will help with his shot, which could use better velocity. His skating is good, but can be built upon. His decision-making and creativity need to be further developed, as he's not much of a playmaker. Some say he could go in the third, some say he'll go in the later rounds, if he gets picked at all- so i guess we'll see...
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