Majors Select Wallen, Karlsson at CHL Import Draft

Published on June 27, 2008 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Mississauga St. Michael's Majors News Release


Mississauga, ON - The Mississauga St. Michael's Majors are pleased to announce that they have selected forward William Wallén of Djurgardens IF from Djurgardens, Sweden in the first round (16th pick) and defenceman Erik Karlsson of Frolunda HC Gotenborg from Frulunda, Sweden in the 2nd round (61st pick) of the 2008 CHL Import Draft.

General Manager and Head Coach, Dave Cameron, was pleased with the club's first pick yesterday afternoon. "I'm definitely excited to have gotten William Wallén. William is a very skilled forward, who will help to make our team better. There was no hesitation from the fact that William wanted to play hockey in the CHL this season. We are very fortunate that he was available when it was our turn to select."

Wallén is also described by Elite Prospects, a prospect-related website with news coverage for Swedish hockey leagues, as a great goal scorer. The 5'8, 170 lb. native of Stockholm, Sweden produced 18 goals and 20 assists for 38 points in 25 games played with the J20 SuperElit team last year, and will be eligible for the NHL draft in 2009.

The Majors then grabbed 18 year-old Erik Karlsson as their second pick. Karlsson, a 5'11, 170 lb. defenceman who helped Frolunda Junior win the SuperElit Championship in 2007-08, had collected 13 goals and 24 assists for 37 points. Described as an offensive-minded blueliner with good agility and technical skills, he represented Team Sweden at the 2008 Under-18 IIHF World Championship tournament, finishing third overall with 7 assists (0-7-7) in 6 games, and was named Best Defenseman of the tournament.

Karlsson was drafted in the 1st Round (15th overall) by the Ottawa Senators at the NHL Entry Draft last weekend.

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