| Kalle Carlsson | Orebro HK J20 | J20 Nationell | L | C | 6’0″ | 181 | Stromstad | 2005 | 2022-2023: C |
Neutral Zone’s Ian Moran, February 22, 2023: Carlsson is a maximum effort forward who plays with the mindset that he’s going to positively impact the game no matter what the situation is or how many minutes he’s playing. It’s not unusual to see him be the F1 on the forecheck. then backcheck his butt off to catch the opposing team’s rush in the neutral zone, pop the stick and then head the other way. In the offensive zone he can protect the puck to extend the cycle, but what I like best is his fearlessness when attacking the crease looking for a rebound o\r quick 4′ pass. To play his style in the National league Carlsson is going to have to continue working on his strength and power. Yes he’s not afraid of contact, but he’s currently winning 45% of his face-offs and only 40% of his 50/50 puck battles. And those winning percentages are against primarily U20 players. Another thing worth noting is that through 54 total games played this season he has 159 attempted shots with 88 of those hitting the net and 17 of those coming from withing 5′ of the crease. Again, I love his energy and effort but at 6′ and 180lbs I’d expect him to be more impactful during net front chaos in U20 hockey.
U18: 5 Nation Tournament, November 8-14, 2022: Kalle Carlsson is a very reliable energetic bottom six forward, a 6’/180 centerman who can be counted on to get in first on a forecheck and do some heavy lifting with his grinding and his compete. His skating is league average, but in pursuit he is full speed. He appeared to be a good playmaker and he was able to freeze defenders with good shot fakes then pass off to open men. He has a good quick first 3 steps, wins puck battles and will battle in the blue paint for possession.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images