A sophomore season in professional hockey can be a great launching pad for a young player. They have a basic understanding of what it takes to make it through the pro season and can begin to build their game for success.
Growing up has been easy for Wilmer Alriksson to this point in his life, and he feels confident in developing his game in his second season with the Abbotsford Canucks. He spent the summer training hard and skating with a group that included William Nylander, David Pastrnak, Mika Zibanejad and others before coming to Vancouver Canucks training camp.
“This is the best pre-camp preparation,” Alrickson said of the group. “Coming into camp, I feel like I’m as ready as I can be.”
Alriksson played in 43 AHL games last season and felt he learned the most in his young hockey career. He began to realize the skills he needs to improve in order to succeed in the professional ranks, and he will focus on that this upcoming season.
“I felt like I had a good year where I improved every day and I feel like something clicked this summer. I feel really good going into camp,” Alrickson said. “I feel like I’m growing into my body and learning to use it properly, it takes time.”
He spent his offseason working with skills and skating coaches to improve his balance, explosiveness and stride power. Alrickson believes he has honed all of those skills and is excited to see how he can look in his second season as a full-time pro.
Alriksson isn’t setting any goals for himself this season, but wants to stay focused on improving every day. He wants to control what he can control by working hard in the gym and in practice, and hopes the work he puts in will pay off in the games.
Last week was Allriksson’s fourth training camp with the Canucks, and he felt much more comfortable and confident than in previous seasons.
He continues to learn how to use his 6’6″, 234-pound frame to his advantage in the pro ranks and feels like something clicked for him in the offseason. The 21-year-old worked hard with some talented players this summer and learned a lot during those training sessions.
He’s looking to make an impact every night this upcoming season, and now that he’s comfortable in the AHL and confident in his game, he looks to take another big step in his development and become the best pro he can be.
