UNH Freshman Kalle Eriksson: A Two-Way, Puck Moving Defenseman

Kalle Eriksson
UNH Defenseman #10

"We're excited to add Kalle to our program and feel he will add to the overall strength of our D corp especially with his ability to move the puck." Mike Souza, UNH Head Coach

"Kalle Eriksson's a smooth, mobile, two-way, puck moving defenseman." Neutral Zone

“Kalle is a well-rounded defenseman." Carl Larsson, Swedish scout for Future Considerations

Kalle Eriksson UNH Jersey #10 Forward, 5'10", 175 lbs. Shoots Left Hometown: Leksand, Sweden DOB: 9-15-1999 Turned 20 in September Neutral Zone Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars Last Team: Madison Capitols (USHL)                        ~ Left/Right Defenseman Commits to UNH: December, 2018 at Age 19 years, 2 months. "UNH Commit Kalle Eriksson: A Puck Moving Defenseman"

Interview

I had an opportunity to interview Kalle Eriksson at the UNH Hockey Media Day on September 25th.

Mike Lowry ("C-H-C"): What would you like UNH fans to know about you, both as a person and a hockey player?

Kalle Eriksson: That's a great question. On the ice, I'm a puck moving defenseman. I like to skate a lot. I try to create plays and work hard out there.

Mike Lowry: How about your personality, both on and off the ice? Do you show your emotions, are you flashy or are you more low-key?

Kalle Eriksson: Not too much, I'm not an emotional player. As a person, I'm kind of laid back. Off the ice, when I'm back in Sweden, I like fishing and hanging out with friends.

Lowry: Have you been able to try out the fishing in New Hampshire yet?

Eriksson: Not yet but I can't wait til after the season.

Lowry: Deep sea or fresh water?

Eriksson: Fresh water. I live on a lake.

Lowry: Do you see yourself as similar to any of the upperclass defensemen on the team in terms of style and skill set?

Eriksson: Maybe Matt Dawson. We're both small, lefty defensemen. We like to play with possession and make good passing plays.

Lowry: In the USHL, you played a lot on the power play. What makes you good on the power play as a defenseman?

Eriksson: I've always liked the offensive side of the game. Growing up, I played a lot of pond hockey and on the street. It's all about scoring goals and making nice plays.

Lowry: Did you ever consider playing forward?

Eriksson: Actually my Dad was a forward (Niklas Eriksson). Growing up, I played forward for the most part, until it came to the point I just tried out playing defense. Then, when I wanted to switch back, my coach wouldn't allow me to (chuckles). So, I just try to create offense on the blue line, as much as I can.

Lowry: What do you like about playing defenseman, as opposed to forward?

Eriksson: Hockey is more a tactical game. As a defenseman, you have to see the ice in a different way and try to out-think your opponent, and make good plays. I like that part of the game.

2018-19 Highlight Reel

Scouting Reports

"4 Star prospect Kalle Eriksson commits to New Hampshire. Smooth, mobile, two-way puck moving defenseman who can run a power play, shake off forecheckers and break pucks out. A- grade at USHL Fall Classic." Neutral Zone

"Kalle is a well-rounded defenseman. He is solid defensively and likes to get involved in the offense. Has some nice hands and sees the ice very well. He takes big responsibility on the ice and was the captain of Leksand U20 last season. Skates well.” Carl Larsson, Swedish scout for Future Considerations

Youth & Junior Hockey Statistics

Player	Season	Team	League	GP	Goals	Asst	Pts	PIM
Kalle Eriksson  (D)	2018-19	Madison Capitols	USHL	39	6	17	14	6
		Omaha Lancers	USHL	24	1	12	13	6
	2017-18	Leksands IF J20	SuperElit	34	5	8	13	34
			Playoffs	2	0	0	0	0
	2016-17	Leksands IF J20	SuperElit	39	4	9	13	34
			Playoffs	5	0	1	1	2
		Leksands IF J18	J18 Premiere	3	0	1	1	6
			Playoffs	3	0	6	6	2
		Leksands IF J18	J18 Elit	4	0	2	2	0
	2015-16	Leksands IF J20	SuperElit	2	0	0	0	0
		Leksands IF J18	J18 Premiere	18	1	13	14	10
			Playoffs	5	0	1	1	6
		Leksands IF J18	J18 Elit	17	2	5	7	2
	2014-15	Leksands IF J18	J18 Premiere	9	1	0	1	2
		Leksands IF J18	J18 Elit	5	0	1	1	0
		Leksands IF J18 2	J18 Div.1	3	0	1	1	10
		Leksands IF U16	U16 SM	8	1	2	3	0
		Leksands IF U16	U16 Elit	20	2	13	15	18
	2013-14	Leksands IF J18 2	J18 Div.1	2	0	2	2	0
		Leksands IF U16	U16 SM	3	0	1	1	0
		Leksands IF U16	U16 Elit	28	3	6	9	22