Abel to Yzerman

Abel to Yzerman

Elmer Söderblom On His Game And Riley Piercey Gets Noticed

09/17/2022 at 6:15am EDT

from Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press,

"My strength is an attack mindset and being around the net, being tough to play against, being able to protect the puck," he said. "Use my big frame, stuff like that. I have to keep playing my game, maybe add some more physicality and play with my size even more. That’s what I have to do to be able to take a spot."

As Söderblom put it, "I think I’m pretty much the tallest guy on the ice, often."

As he has matured, he has learned how he can use his size to move defenders in front of an opponent's net, and how he can use it to have the puck more.

"A few years ago, I was not really that smooth and comfortable with my body and big size," he said. "I’m still working on it, to use my whole body and my big size. I think it’s going better and better. I want to show my style of play and the things I’m good at."

The Wings want to see Söderblom build on his 2021-22 performance, when he led Frölunda's under-21 skaters with 33 points. There's an adjustment for European players as they acclimate to the smaller North American ice sheet, and Söderblom will have to get used to doing what he does, only quicker.

"It’s a little bit more physical, too, I think," he said. "I have to be able to take a hit, give a hit as well. Just be quick in your mind and your feet and hands."

more

from Ansar Khan of Mlive,

Flint Firebirds forward Riley Piercey came to the NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City hoping to make a name for himself.

He did just that on Friday, scoring four goals in the Detroit Red Wings’ 5-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets at Centre I.C.E. Arena.

Like other undrafted free agents invited to this tournament and training camp, Piercey, 20, is hoping to impress scouts and team personnel and eventually earn an NHL contract.

“It’s highly known there’s a lot of eyes (here),” Piercey said. “It’s a great experience. Just come in and take it day by day, see what life throws at me and we’ll go from there.”

Piercey (6-2, 212) was second on the Firebirds in goals (27) and third in points (58), behind Brennan Othman, drafted 16th overall by the New York Rangers in 2021, and Amadeus Lombardi, the Red Wings’ fourth-round pick this year who also is taking part in this tournament.

continued

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