Johanna Fallman Represents Bright Future on Swedish Blueline

One of the younger players on the Swedish team competing at the 2013 IIHF Women’s Worlds, Johanna Fallman brings with her potential for a bright future. At 22 years of age, Fallman is one of 14 members of Team Sweden that are 22 or younger.

Although Sweden ended up competing in the relegation round, the opportunity to compete for her country is one she has enjoyed. Her first experience with the Swedish national team came as a 19-year-old. “The first time I played was at the 2011 IIHF Worlds and there were butterflies in my stomach obviously. It is always an honour to put the jersey on.”

With the Swedish team having qualified for the 2014 Sochi Winter Games, the experience she has gained in Ottawa will be of great value for a team looking to avenge its loss in the bronze medal game of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games. To be able to compete in Ottawa, Canada, one of the country’s hockey hotbeds was one she enjoyed. “Of course, I have enjoyed myself in Ottawa, it is nice. We did not do great with the results.”

When not competing for Sweden, Fallman is a blue liner for the North Dakota Fighting Sioux. At North Dakota, she had the opportunity to call Jocelyne and Monique Lamoureux (both competing with Team USA) her teammates.

”Obviously, they are two of the best players in the world. Being with them, you watch them and learn.” In asking Fallman if playing with the Lamoureux sisters helped to improve her game and be comfortable at the IIHF level, she replied, “Of course. They have great speed, great technique and good puck skill. They are great players. I have learned a lot from them.”

Perhaps a more unique aspect of competing at North Dakota is the fact that a member of the coaching staff is also from Sweden. Peter Elander, the former head coach of the Swedish national women’s team, serves on Brian Idalski’s staff with the Fighting Sioux. She credits Elander with helping her transition to a new culture in America.

“He helped me so much with the transition and with the basics. He has been great. The WCHA is so high in quality. There are many great players, and everyone is so skilled.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”