IHM Client Erik Forss Drafted by Bismarck Bobcats NAHL

by Chris White

International Hockey Management is proud to announce that Swedish goaltender, and client, Erik Forss, has been selected in the 3rd Round of the 2021 NAHL Entry Draft by the Bismarck Bobcats! The twenty year-old netminder played for Rögle BK's J20 Nationell team, last season. The left-catching Glumslöv resident stands 6'0 and weighs 185 pounds. Forss was selected 75th Overall in the 3rd Round.

The North American Hockey League is a Tier-II Junior A League in the United States, with 30 active franchises. The league has developed 73 future NHLers, including 10 goaltenders. As of today, the NAHL has announced 362 NCAA commitments for the current season.

Originally groomed in the Wings HC organization, north of Stockholm, Forss has spent the past four seasons with one of the top clubs in the country; Rögle BK. In 2018-2019, Forss was recognized with the J18 Elit South Division's Best Goals Against Average (1.82) in the Spring season. Since then, he has played two seasons at the highest level of J20 hockey (formerly SuperElit), in addition to a taste of senior hockey with Jonstorps IF and Halmstad Hammers HC. Forss shared the Rögle crease with 3rd Round NHL Draft pick, Calle Clang (Pittsburgh Penguins).

This past season, the Bobcats finished with a 29-21-6 record, good for second in the NAHL's Central Division. However, the team lost in the Quarterfinals, and allowed more than double the amount of goals against than the Central's first place Aberdeen Wings, in the regular season (151 to 75). The club will have 23 alumni playing at the NCAA Division-I level, this upcoming season. Additionally, Bismarck was home to current Dallas Stars forward, Roope Hintz, of Finland, for a brief stint in 2012-2013. The organization has featured seven Swedes, throughout their 18-year NAHL history. Bismarck is located in North Dakota, they play their games out of the V.F.W. Sports Center, and they are coached by Layne Sedevie. A former goaltender, himself, Sedevie is very excited about the opportunity to work with Forss.

International Hockey Management President, Chris White, commented,

We are thrilled about this opportunity for both Erik and the Bismarck Bobcats organization. Coach Sedevie is a fantastic developer of goaltenders, and the Bobcats have a great history within the league. Erik has been a wonderful teammate, playing alongside some elite goalies. Now, he has a chance to take the reigns, himself. We can't wait to follow along, this season.