BOMBERS ADD SIZE, SKILL IN SIGNING SILLERSTRÖM

The Long Beach Bombers are proud to announce the signing of former IF Sundsvall J20 captain, Erik Sillerström. The left shot center stands 6’4, and weighs 200lbs. He will be one of the older players on the roster, with an April 16, 1998 birthdate. The big pivot attended the Long Beach Bombers Scandinavian Prospects Camp in Sollentuna, this April.

In two seasons with IF Sundsvall Hockey J20 Elit, Sillerström has recorded 66 Points in 70 Games Played, including playoffs. In 2017-2018, he had an impressive stat line of 23GP-20G-9A-29Pts-32PIMs in the regular season, followed by 15 Points in 10 playoff games. He has produced at every level, and will now prepare for his first season of North American hockey. Sillerström finished 2nd on his team in scoring. He was also in the Top-40 in J20 Elit for points-per-game, and finished 7th in playoff scoring.

Long Beach Bombers Head Coach & General Manager, Chris White, commented, “Erik might be the best player we saw in all three of our European prospect camps. He’s big, he goes to the net, and he finishes. His game is probably better suited for the North American style of play, and smaller rinks, which could be a scary thought for other WSHL teams. The possibility of having Erik and Ryan Gil, as our top two centers, is almost a dream come true. Not only is Erik going to be a top offensive threat, for us, but he’s going to be a leader and is the type of player that will have an impact on the game, regardless if he ends up on the scoresheet or not. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if this turns out to be our biggest forward signing of the off-season."

Erik’s Player Profile Page: https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/316311/erik-sillerstrom

Q & A WITH ERIK SILLERSTRÖM:

Last season, you registered 44 points in 33 games for Sundsvall, in Sweden's J20 Elit. You were also the captain. How did your season go?

I had a great season last year. It was my best season, so far, in my career. We had a strong team, and won most of our games in the regular season, which helped me produce the points and grow as a player. I enjoyed being the captain; I like the leadership, and the responsibility.

You attended the Long Beach Bombers Scandinavian Prospects Camp, in April. What do you remember about that experience?

The camp in Stockholm was a great experience. I got to play and talk to both current and former Long Beach players. Also, I had a good talk with Coach White about the organization, and how I would fit in the team.

You had some other offers, within the WSHL, and in Sweden. What led to your decision to sign with Long Beach?

I wanted to go to a team where I can grow the most, as a player. I was also looking for a team where I have a chance to play important minutes, and a big role. In Sweden, I’d be a senior, and I wanted to take the chance to play one final year as a junior, in USA. The reason I chose Long Beach over other WSHL teams, is because of my conversations with Coach White, and the fact that the team has been one of the top teams in the league in recent seasons.

As a 1998, you will be one of the older players on the team, in addition to having been a captain, last year. Aside from your leadership, what else are you hoping to bring to the Bombers roster?

I’m hoping to bring strength and size on the ice, as well as scoring points, and leading the team. I also want to be a good guy off the ice, and be part of the team coming together as a group.

What are you most looking forward to, on and off the ice, in Long Beach?

I really look forward to getting the season going and getting to know the guys. I’ve never played on the small rinks, like in the US, so that’s something I look forward to. I think we can go far and challenge for the Thorne Cup. I’ve only heard good things about Long Beach, as a city, and it’s weather. It should be a good season.