SHL SPOTLIGHT: ANTON WAHLBERG

Many fans of Malmö Redhawks remember Mikael Wahlberg from the early 2000’s. The gifted center spent eight consecutive seasons with the Redhawks, ending in demotion to Hockeyallsvenskan. It is probably with great enthusiasm they now witness the emerge of a second generation of Wahlbergs, one who also have more luck when it comes to relegation battles.

”Not until afterwards did I understand how much the relegation playoff against Brynäs meant to all the players and the club. To see guys crying in the locker room really made an impression on me and I understood that the situation affected all of us a lot mentally”, Anton says à propos the much debated playoff duel between Malmö and Brynäs where Malmö won 4–1, earning them a spot in the SHL 2023/24.

For a few of the Malmö players it surely meant a bit more, playing for their home town team. Anton Wahlberg was one of them. His journey started back in the minor Malmö club Limhamn HK.

”Me and my twin brother Oskar started playing early, thanks to our dad of course”, Anton says. ”We were both forwards but eventually dad thought Oskar would be better as a defender so he switched. We also played football at IFK Klagshamn but when we had to choose it was a no brainer to go with hockey.”

Finally got the call

After making his SHL debut already last year, Anton Wahlberg started this season with the men’s team.

”I was on the team during preseason and set up a goal to play as much as possible in the SHL this season”, Anton says truthfully. ”When the season started I played with the J20 team but still practiced a lot with the men’s team.”

Malmö struggled over the course of the season, while frustrated fans started noticing the highlight plays from 17 year old Anton Wahlberg in the juniors. And finally, in january, he got the call he had longed for.

”It was Växjö at home and I was going to dress as an extra player, but got a few shifts and (Tomas) Kollar thought I did well. From there on I played the rest of the games with the men’s team”, he says.

NICLAS JÖNSSON / Bildbyrån

Anton Wahlberg earned himself a spot in the SHL in the game against Växjö in january.

A speedy puck carrier

When playing with Malmö J20, Anton usually plays center, but in the SHL he has been used as a winger.

”I’ve had a different role in the SHL, which is natural for me as a young player. My natural position is center, but it’s good for me to play wing and become a more versatile player”, Anton says, adding:

”I think my strengths are carrying the puck with speed, protecting the puck and passing it. I’ve also realised I need to be stronger in my own end, and really think I’ve developed in that area this season.”

As the second half of the SHL season progressed, it stood more and more clear that Malmö was headed for relegation playoffs, a fact that Anton Wahlberg in retrospect holds in their favour.

”I noticed a tension in the group when I came in, but I really believe it was an advantage knowing early on that we were going to play the relegation playoffs. We prepared for the series against Brynäs and were able to keep focus throughout the series. In the end, I think we were the better team and won fair and square.”

Wants to become more reliable

Anton Wahlberg himself earned a lot of trust and ice time from head coach Tomas Kollar and his staff.

”Both Tomas (Kollar) and Tjärna (Mathias Tjärnqvist) helps me a lot. Tomas is straightforward and honest with me, which I appreciate. If I play well, I get more ice time. I strive towards being more mature and make better decisions on the ice, so that I become a more reliable player on SHL level”, Anton says.

After beating Brynäs by an odd goal in game five, Malmö clinched the SHL spot. At the same time as Anton Wahlberg and his teammates celebrated, their opponents grieved the toughest loss of their carreers.

”Yeah, I know Theo Lindstein well from the national team and exchanged a few words with him right afterwards. I felt really bad for him but was really impressed with the way he played during those games”, Anton says encouraging.

Celebrated with pizza – not night club

To celebrate the important victory, the Malmö players had pizza in the locker room, then travelled to Stockholm were they all went to a night club. All, except for one 17 year old kid who stayed at the hotel.

”Yeah I got to bed when they went out, haha”, Anton laughs.

Now, it is a fact that he wouldn’t have been allowed into a night club anyway, but the main reason was that he – unlike most of the Malmö players – have more games to play this season. Anton Wahlberg went straight to Jönköping and played in the eight finals with Malmö J20 the day after the win in Gävle, and just a couple of days ago Anders Eriksén named him in the Team Sweden squad going to the U18 Worlds. All this leads up to another pinnacle of his young carreer – the NHL Draft.

”I’ve tried to block out thoughts of the draft during the season, but of course it’s a cool experience. I’ve talked with some agents and clubs, and really look forward to the draft.”

A few weeks ago, Malmö Redhawks communicated a newly signed rookie contract with Anton Wahlberg. It was a two year deal, valid regardless of the outcome of the relegation playoffs. Now we know it will be a SHL contract.

”It felt really good to sign that contract, I had a strong belief we would make the relegation playoffs. A lot will happen with the squad, but our goal next season should definately be to reach the playoffs. I really hope we can accomplish big things in the future”, Anton Wahlberg says with confidence.