Bombers Add Swedish Defenseman Anton Ahlin

The Long Beach Bombers are proud to announce their third import player signing for the 2017-2018 WSHL season, defenseman, Anton Ahlin. The 6’2, 192lb Swede hails from Västerås and is a left shot. Last season, Ahlin suited up for Surahammars IF in J20 Elit. In fact, he was half of the defensive pair, alongside recently-signed Erik Lundgren. Anton was born June 26, 1998.

In 28 games, Ahlin recorded 2 Goals, 9 Assists. Surahammars is the same club that Bombers alum, Anders Romegard, played for. The big rearguard also played for Västmanland in Sweden’s U15 TV-Pucken tournament, featuring the countries top young prospects. Anton finished second on his team in defensive scoring, with 10 regular season points. Several recent Bombers alums came from the J20 Elit level, including Marcus Viitanen, Mikael Lengmo, Anton Rhose, Ludwig Rosen, and Jonathan Tordhall.

Ahlin’s teammate and defensive partner, Erik Lundgren, described him as, “A very nice and humble person. On the ice, he is very smart and calm. He has an amazing shot and is really good on the power play. He is also very tall and strong, and can make some big hits.”

Bombers Head Coach & General Manager, Chris White, commented, “We are thrilled to add another high-quality Swedish player, in signing Anton Ahlin. His chemistry and history with Erik Lundgren will be a welcomed bonus, in addition to what we already expect from Anton. He has good size, and a heavy shot. He comes from a familiar organization and league; both which we have found great success when it comes to transitioning to the WSHL. Replacing Jonathan Tordhall and Nick Short will be a collective effort, and we believe Anton Ahlin will be a big part of that group. Much like the previous signing announcements, there is also value in the possibility of Anton being a two-year player in Long Beach.”

Anton’s Player Profile Page:  http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=265855

Q & A with Anton Ahlin:

You are the second player from Surahammars to sign with the Bombers. Did Erik Lundgren discuss the Scandinavian Prospects Camp, and this, opportunity with you?

He hasn’t talked so much about the Scandinavian Prospects Camp with me, but he has talked about this opportunity we’ve got, and how it’s going to be amazing.

You and Erik were defensive partners, last year. Tell us about that experience, and how that might help the Bombers in 2017-2018.

Yes, we were defensive partners last year and it worked out very well. We have a good connection on the ice, and off the ice, and I think that is what might help the Bombers in 2017-2018.

You have good size, and were the 2nd leading scorer among defensemen on your team. What are some of your strengths, on the ice?

My strengths on the ice are that I like to take the chance to shoot every time I get the opportunity, and my game sense is good. 

What are you most excited about, both on and off the ice, for the upcoming season in Southern California?

What I am most excited about on the ice is to experience the difference between USA and Sweden, in hockey. Off the ice, I’m looking forward to learning about how it’s like to live in the country, and developing my English.  

The Bombers have a long history of dozens of Swedish players having successful transitions to North American hockey, and then continuing their careers at US colleges, or at the pro level back home. What are your goals in the next few years?

My goal is to play for the best possible team, and become a better hockey player.