NEWS

 

The Long Beach Bombers are proud to announce the signing of Swedish forward, Robert Roslund. The Trollhättan native is a big right-shot winger, standing 6’2 and weighing 200lbs. Roslund was born on September 24, 1996. Robert attended the Bombers Scandinavian Prospects Camp in Mölndal. Roslund is the 10th new player signed by Long Beach for the 2016-2017 WSHL season.

 

As a sixteen year old, Roslund played for Kramfors-Alliansen J18 Elit, and also suited-up for two games at the Division 1 senior level. The next season, he had a break-out year with Grums IK, where he score 10 goals, adding 13 assists, at the J18 Elit level. He also produced 6 points in 12 games on the J20 Elit team. The following season, playing J20 and some games with the Division 2 senior team, Roslund combined to post 24 points in 33 games. Last year, in his debut with Trollhättans HC, Roslund again showed signs of development, as he recorded 39 points in 54 games. At the junior level, his 23 points in 20 games was his most productive statistical campaign. The power forward also put home 11 goals at the Division 2 senior level. In fact, the nineteen year-old was honored as the 3rd best junior aged player in Division 2, by Swedish website riktighockey.se.

 

Roslund arrives into Long Beach possessing some instant chemistry, as he played his 2015-2016 season alongside newly-signed Bombers, Anton Bowallius and Filip Jengard. Additionally, Roslund’s childhood best friend is another Long Beach signee, Erik Fagerlin. Roslund has scored 48 goals in the previous three seasons, which is crucial for a Bombers roster that is looking to replace its top-2 goal scorers.

 

Robert’s former teammate, and recent Bombers signee, Anton Bowallius, described the big forward, “Robert is a strong power forward who combines a great sense to find the net with an exceptional release. He is great in the physical game and always gives 100% on every shift, blocking a lot of shots to help win the game, no matter the personal cost."

 

Long Beach Bombers Head Coach & General Manager, Chris White, commented, “We lost some very important players from our 2015-2016 roster. One of those is Jesper Wallenholm, our big power forward and winner of the Johnny Linehan Overall Contribution Award. Immediately when I saw Robert, a big right-handed power forward, I checked a few boxes on our wish list. They are not the same player, and it is yet to be seen if Robert can have the point production that Jeppe did, but I think he is going to have the opportunity to fill some very important roles for us. Robert is going to be one of the most fit players on our roster, and he has a proven track record of finding the back of the net. His combination of size and scoring prowess should give him the ability to quickly transition to the North American game. His recent history shows that he is a player that is still improving, and this could be a big season for his development.” 

 

Robert’s Player Profile:  http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=159324

 

Q & A with Robert Roslund:

 

You will play your first hockey season abroad alongside your best friend (Erik Fagerlin), and two of your former Trollhättans HC teammates (Anton Bowallius & Filip Jengard). How exciting is that for you?

I am very excited about doing this trip, and to do it with some of my friends makes it even better. We has played together before and will make a strong team. I'm looking forward to learning about US hockey and to fine tune my own capability and techniques.

 

With 48 goals in the last three seasons, what would you say are your keys to lighting the red lamp?

I think what makes me score is that I am very aggressive in front of the net and that I try to shoot as much as possible. I never give a puck up and my strength and size helps me a lot, especially in the battle in front of the net. I would pronounce myself as a power forward.

 

The WSHL rinks are smaller, and the style of play is more physical. How do you expect your adjustment from Swedish hockey to North American hockey to be?

I have always played a very physical game and I actually think that the smaller rinks together with the type of hockey that is played in the U.S. will fit me better then the Swedish type of game.

 

You had signed for your senior team for the 2016-2017 season, before requesting a release and signing with the Long Beach Bombers. What led you to make that decision?

To play hockey in the U.S is a childhood dream of mine, and when I got the oppertunity to go, I decided without a doubt that I would go; something that my former team understood.

 

What are you most looking forward to, on and off the ice, in Southern California?

 

On the ice, my goals are to become a better hockey player and to adjust as fast as possible to the smaller rinks and the American type of hockey. I will spend a lot of the time off ice to enjoy the weather, do my off-ice training, and explore as much as possible of the culture.