The San Diego Sabers typically have their roster filled out by many local players looking to make a name for themselves in the junior hockey world.

This season, the Sabers decided to take an out-of-the-box approach to recruiting and ventured to Sweden to seek talent for the 2021-22 season.

Enter Ludvig Nilsson, a Stockholm native who turned 20 in October and has been San Diego’s top defenseman and scorer much of this season.

“Since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to play hockey in North America,” Nilsson said. “When I met Coach Dom (DiCicco) at a camp in Sweden, I saw a perfect opportunity to make my dream come true. I love it here in San Diego. The weather, the beach, the ocean and being surrounded with amazing teammates and coaches, this place really feels like home.”

Nilsson is one of four Swedish players on the team this season and has eight goals and 16 points to his credit through 14 games this season.

“Ludvig is one of the smoothest skaters I have seen in a while, and due to his smooth skating, he is incredibly poised with the puck,” said DiCicco. “What I like most about Ludvig is while he is a great player, he does not let that get to his head and is an even better teammate to his brothers on the team.

“He definitely has the ability to play NCAA hockey, in my opinion, and also has the option to go play pro back in Sweden if he wanted after this year. He is a hardworking, smart defenseman who would be a great addition to any team at the next level.”

Nilsson said he has his eye on another season in the United States.

“Well, obviously, we didn’t start the season the way we wanted to, but I can see that we have the potential to turn things around and make a run for the playoffs,” Nilsson said. “In the USPHL, you never know what’s going to happen the next game, and that’s meant in a good way. The rink is smaller here than it is back home so that makes the game way more physical and more fast paced. Scoring opportunities come up from everywhere, so as a defenseman, you have to be alert all the time.

“I think it’s amazing that there are other Swedes in the league. And I will definitely say to other Swedes that they should come over here and play. We’ll see what happens this season, but I would love to stay here in America and eventually play some college hockey. Right now, the focus is on the Sabers and to secure a spot in the playoffs.”

Schooling-wise, Nilsson has been taking online classes this year.

The Sabers host the Las Vegas Thunderbirds this weekend, with Saturday’s game at 1 p.m. from Pechanga Arena and Sunday’s game scheduled for 1 p.m. from Icetown Carlsbad.

Photo/Mark Mauno

— Matt Mackinder

(December 7, 2021)