Djurgarden’s Jonathan Likremäki was the first Swede to be selected for tonight’s NHL Draft.
As No. 15, he was selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round.
– A dream came true, he was completely sick, he says.
Jonathan Lekkerimäki made his SHL debut during the season and was selected for the Swedish JVM team during the canceled tournament.
Now he’s also, as the first Swede, selected in tonight’s NHL Draft.
The 17-year-old was chosen to be No. 15 on the chart Vancouver Canucks In the first round.
– It was pure joy that came out into the body. The dream came true, he was completely sick. It was almost difficult to comprehend. I’ve seen him on TV before, he’s been sick, Likrimaki tells Sportbladet.
On site were my mom, dad, sister, sister-in-law and agent who all hugged before the striker went to the stage to pick up the Vancouver jersey.
– After that we took pictures and conducted interviews and then I greeted the management team. Then we went home and talked about it with the family, says Likrimaki, who had a quiet party last night.
He wants to continue with Swedish hockey.
Also in attendance were series companions and friends Jonathan Licremaki Noah Ostlund and William O’Green, who were also selected in the first round. Östlund was chosen as number 16, right after his friend.
– It was so much fun. When I heard Noah’s name calling right behind me, I felt very proud of him. Three Djurgården players selected to all play in the same line, it’s a lot of fun, says Jonathan Likiremäki.
Now he awaits a development camp with the NHL club next week, but the 17-year-old has a plan for next season ready for him.
– I’ll wait and see what happens but my plan is to go back to Djurgården, I want to continue playing Swedish hockey for a while.