IHM Client Karlsson Drafted In NAHL By Norsemen

by Chris White

International Hockey Management is proud to announce that client, Adam Karlsson, was selected by the St. Cloud Norsemen in the 2020 North American Hockey League Draft. Karlsson has spent the last three seasons with the HC Vita Hästen organization, in his home country of Sweden. The 6’0, 183 pound left shot forward was born March 26, 2000, in Mjölby.

Karlsson led the HC Vita Hästen J20 Elit team with 16 Goals and a +17 Rating. In 25 Games Played, he finished with 30 Points; good for 3rd on the roster. He then added 3 Points in the playoffs, most on the team. In 2018-2019, he led the White Horses in Goals (10), Assists (12), and Points (22). He has also played 15 Games for the senior A-lag team, which plays in Allsvenskan, the second-highest professional league in Sweden. Karlsson left his hometown club, Mjölby HC, after his 17 year-old season. He was also a representative for his regional TV-pucken team, playing for Östergötland. In the famed national showcase tournament for the country’s top 15 year olds, Karlsson led his team in points, and finished T-15 in scoring.

Last season, the formerly-branded St. Cloud Blizzard finished last in the NAHL's Central Division, with a putrid 10-37 record. However, the new-look Norsemen also have a new bench boss - former NHL player, NAHL Robinson Cup Champion coach, and NCAA Division-I Assistant Coach, Corey Millen. The veteran of nearly 400 NHL games has had stops in the USHL, along with University of Minnesota, and Air Force Academy. He won an NAHL Championship in 2015-2016, with the Minnesota Wilderness. Millen, who played seasons in Germany and Switzerland, as well, is also a Gophers alum. The Norsemen's proximity to several NCAA Division-I programs is a bonus, as is the level of play in the Central Division, which includes the reigning Robinson Cup Champion Aberdeen Wings.

International Hockey Management President, Chris White, said,

“Adam is a dynamic offensive talent, with good size, and a real knack for making plays. As a twenty year-old, with experience in Allsvenskan, we expect him to be an impact player for the Norsemen. We’d like to thank Head Coach, Corey Millen, for giving Adam the opportunity, despite all of the current global concerns with visa and travel restrictions."

Norsemen Head Coach and General Manager, Corey Millen, added,

“The Norsemen organization is very excited to have drafted Adam. We get a very good player, and feel this will be a great opportunity for Adam to pursue his NCAA interest."