Things aren't much different in sports. Hockey fans need to know their history.
When it comes to the LA Kings and players from Sweden, there are three names you need to know - Mattias Norstrom, Tomas Sandstrom and Peter Forsberg.
Sorry Freddy Modin...nice audition you put in for a few months this season, but we're going to need to see a greater body of work for you to be included in this conversation.
Much has been made about the Kings-Red Wings rivalry during the first few years after the team moved into Staples Center to start the decade. Somewhat lost in the shuffle for many is their equally intense rivalry with the Colorado Avalanche.
After the Frenzy on Figueroa in '01, it was the Avs that took out the Kings in the second round (needing 7 games to do it). The following year it was another 7 game series with the Avs...and another loss for the Kings. Forsberg was front and center for the Avs during this period. He was a Kings killer.
For somebody actually wearing a Kings jersey, there is Norstrom. Having recently served as an Assistant Coach for his native country in the Vancouver Olympics, he hasn't strayed too far from hockey in his post-retirement life. He wore the "C" for 5 seasons with the Kings and was simply known as "the Warrior."
Which brings us to perhaps one of the most underrated and under-appreciated Kings of the Gretzky era (or the McNall era, if you prefer), Sandstrom. You wanna talk warrior? This guy had his leg broken in game two of a playoff series vs the Oilers in '91 (damn you Craig Muni!). That's fine though, all Sandstrom did was come back and play six nights later...ON A BROKEN LEG!
Those early '90s teams were loaded with stars like Gretzky, Robitaille, Granato, Blake and Hrudey. Yet, it was the guy Don Cherry would call a Chicken Swede and say his play on the ice was more like ballet than hockey...yes, it was Sandstrom that was the straw stirring the drink in those years. Their record with him in the line-up was something like 212-23 and a pathetic 14-127 without him.
OK, fine...maybe it wasn't quite that extreme. But, believe me...if you weren't there, study your history. These numbers are real - he had 254 points in 235 regular season games while playing right wing for the Kings. And in 50 playoff games with the team he had 45 points. Tomas Sandstrom was one hell of a player.
Which leads me to this...
Among the many kids that might still be available when the Kings draft at #19 tomorrow night could be Swedish center Calle Jarnkrok. Then again, he could be scooped up already by another team, as NHL Central Scouting had him ranked #4 with a bullet in the final log of European skaters, moving up from #21 at the mid-term rankings in January. TSN, on the other hand, has him going more likely in the third round.
Either way, throughout the week The Mayor has already visited with Americans, Canadians and a Russian. It was time to show some love for the Swedes...in honor of Norstrom and Sandstrom.
However, given Jarnkrok's size (5'11") he might be more comparable to current Kings prospect Oscar Moller (a 5'10" Swede) - so, we'll make this in honor of him too.
Let's get this thing started...
The development of European players can be different than here in North America. What differences do you see?
It's hard to say because I have never really been in North America (before), but when we play the North Americans in international play, North American players all play the same style of game. They are like robots or machines.
Speaking of international tournaments, how important is it to you to play in the next World Junior Championships?
Yes, it is something that is very important to me. To represent my country in such a huge tournament would be a great honor.
Talk about what it means to you personally to wear the sweater of Sweden?
It's an honor to represent my country and I am proud to do it every time I am asked.
Who got you started in hockey and what is your earliest on ice memory?
My father (Tony) got me started in hockey. My first memory is when we play scrimmage on the pond in Gavle. We played side to side, not up and down the ice. My best friend, Anton, who is here with me this weekend was also there on the ice.
Some draft experts have you going in the first round. Is that something you're aiming for?
Yeah of course I aim to go in the first round but it doesn't really bother me too much. My aim is to make it to the NHL. If it means not having to do interview on TV I would rather go in the second round (laughs).
Assuming this is your first trip to LA, what are you most looking forward to seeing or doing in Los Angeles?
Hollywood and seeing all of the Escalades. Also, seeing the LAPD police cars which are very famous on TV.
What one thing do most coaches or scouts tell you that you still need to work on?
They all tell me that I need to get stronger.
What team was the most intimidating to interview with at the combine and why?
There were not very many teams that were too tough. They were pretty easy to me, I think.
Any pregame rituals or superstition?
NO pregame ritual or superstitions. Not the same meal and no nap. Just get ready for game.
Who is the hardest hitter you've ever faced?
Lance Ward. He played for HV 71 and is very physical and strong.
Who is the best goalie you've ever faced?
Jacob Markstrom in practice for Brynas (2nd rd pick of the Florida Panthers in the '08 draft)
If you received a phone call saying you had to leave your house in five minutes and could never go back...what three things would you have to take with you?
My XBox. My bed. My computer.
Nicklas Lidstrom or Peter Forsberg?
Foppa!
Henrik Sedin or Mats Sundin?
Mats Sundin. Because he was better, I think.
For regular season games - shootout or overtime?
Shootout
Dodgers or Yankees?
LA Dodgers. Because everyone in Sweden goes around with Yankees hats, without knowing the team or the players. My team is the New York Mets.
What takes up a lot your time outside of hockey?
Golf and studying for my drivers license.
If somebody was to write a book about your life up to this point in time, what would the title be?
Ironhook. That is what my name means in English.
What's your least favorite sport?
Floor Ball
If you had to pick one player as your biggest rival so far, who would it be?
I'm not that kind of a player or person. I just worry about playing my own game and helping my teammates try to be the best.
When you make your pro debut, what number do you hope to be wearing? And what's the significance of that number?
#22 because I always wore it when I was growing up.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Ironhook has arrived in LA folks and he brought Anton with him, part of his posse back home.
You kids stay outta trouble while you're in town this weekend, ya' hear? Admire those police cars from the outside, not the inside.
And if things work out right at the draft, Calle can by an Escalade for you guys to roll around in, sportin' your Mets hats. He'll just need to get that driver's license first.
Serioulsy though, scouts say Jarnkrok is a smart kid and an exciting player. He'll also be racing his linemate back home - Ludvig Rensfeldt (ranked #5 among Europeans) - to be the first Swede taken in this year's draft. Good luck 'hook.
Just know that if you're selected by the Kings, we may ask you to change your name to Jarnstrom. We're big into the 'stroms.
The Mayor
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Other NHL Draft 2010 links of interest on Mayors Manor:
Interview with Brandon Underwood
Interview with Charlie Coyle
Interview with Taylor Aronson
Interview with Ivan Telegin
Interview with Brandon Archibald
Interview with Luke Moffatt
Interview with Brett Connolly
Interview with Stephen Silas
Interview with Cam Fowler
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Järnkroks favourite NHLteam: KINGS
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Brynäs Calle hottest Swedish iron hook in the draft
The night draws NHL draft started.
Among the hottest Swedish talents are Brynäs Calle Iron Hook - who have predicted a good chance to go in the first round.
- The dream would be to go early and be drafted by the Los Angeles, says Iron Hook.
Last year was the NHL draft a real smash hit from a Swedish point of view. Victor Hedman went to number two when he became tjingad the Tampa Bay Lightening. The rest were seven Swedes in the NHL first round - a historic cannon in the Swedish draft history.
This year is the blue and yellow talent is not as hot and this year's draft is assumed to be a bit of a transitional year for the Swedish part.
Los Angeles favorite team
But the hottest of the domestic talent is Brynäs success guys Calle Iron Hook. According to scouting sites that lists and speculate on the forward draft is ranked as number four in Europe. A preliminary tips that can make that he is already in the NHL first round.
- It would be a dream, becoming the NHL early and Los Angeles which is a bit of a favorite team. But I dare not hope for anything, "says Iron Hook.
Holiday in the States
Are you nervous about the draft?
- Well, not exactly now but I might be there when it is brewing. Most feel it is just fun and as an experience to come to the United States. After the draft so I stay and my family left the U.S. for a vacation. It'll be wonderful.
However, even if the talent is in the first round so will not be NHL-dream than a reality.
Iron Hooks stay in Sweden a further season.
- I am not ready for games in the NHL yet. I have a lot to develop and think it is best to stay in Sweden and Brynäs one or two seasons, "says Iron Hook.
Anna Lindbäck"