IHM Client Joseph Wheeler Signs With Bollnäs
International Hockey Management is proud to announce that client, Joseph Wheeler, has signed with Bollnäs IS in Sweden's HockeyTrean (Division III). The 6'3, 205 pound right shot centre recently completed his junior career in the United States, finishing the COVID-19-shortened season with the Las Vegas Thunderbirds in the Tier-II Junior A Western States Hockey League. The September 3, 1999-born High River, Alberta native had intended to enroll in university, but those plans were thwarted by the current season's postponement. Wheeler will join another IHM client, Max Danis, in Bollnäs.
As an Assistant Captain, Wheeler recorded career highs in Goals (13), Assists (19), and Points (32), while playing in 45 Games. The expansion T-Birds were in a playoff position, when the season was prematurely ended. Prior to his season in Las Vegas, Wheeler was a member of the Western Division Champion Long Beach Bombers, and also had brief stints with the Valencia Flyers and Arizona Redhawks. Wheeler is now set for not only his rookie senior team season, but also his first season overseas. In Bollnäs, the club intends to also have him feature in some games with their J20 team, allowing Joseph to possibly play upwards of 50 games, this year.
Bollnäs, Sweden is located in Gävleborg county, about three hours north of Stockholm. The town has a population of just under 30,000 people. Bollnäs IS play in Bollnäs Ishall, which is the former youth home of 600+ game NHLer, Stanley Cup Champion, and 1st Round Pick of the Detroit Red Wings, Anders Eriksson.
Joseph explained,
"Signing with IHM was an easy decision, following the announcement that the ACAC was postponing the season. The process for looking at other options internationally was easy, as IHM reached out to leagues right away, and I believe IHM found the best option for me. I’m very excited to have signed with Bollnäs, and after speaking with the Head Coach, Jens Eriksson, I believe it will be a good fit for me in my first year of senior hockey. I would like to thank IHM for providing me with this great opportunity."
International Hockey Management President, Chris White, commented,
"We are very excited for Joseph to get over to Sweden and have the opportunity to continue playing competitive hockey. He's a fantastic young man, and we have no doubt the staff, players, and supporters in Bollnäs will be thrilled to have him. Compared to some other scenarios, we felt this was a great fit because Bollnäs' offer allowed for Joseph to play extra games at the J20 level, in addition to his role with the senior team. Compared to a partial season at the university level, or possibly worse, we think this situation is ideal. We are 100% confident that Bollnäs is getting two hard-working, respectful, team-first type of players and young men in both Joseph and Max Danis."
CONGRATULATIONS, Joseph!
Follow along throughout Joseph's rookie season with Bollnäs IS at the following links:
https://www.facebook.com/BollnasIs/
https://www.instagram.com/bollnasis/
Joseph's Player Profile Page:
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/498077/joseph-wheeler
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https://www.facebook.com/intlhockeymgmt