Max Friberg, LW, 5’11, 185, Skövde IK

34 Games, 13 Goals, 27Assists, 40 Points, 6 Pim

Currently playing in Swedish Division 1 with Skövde IK

By Ian Esplen

If you could pick one word to describe Max Friberg, that word would be “hustle”. If you wanted to use two words, those words would be “work ethic”. He lists his father as his biggest influence in his hockey career, and the reason behind these two characteristics, “He taught me all about hard work, and that even if you’re not scoring and putting up points, you could always work hard.” It is because of these two characteristics, that Max Friberg is rising up scout’s lists, and may even find himself in the first round on draft day.

For most of the past three seasons, Friberg has been a regular for Skövde IK in Sweden’s First division. Playing against men, Friberg has not looked out of place and has developed into one of the teams best players. In his first year as a 16 year old, he was promoted to the men’s club after scoring 52 points in 27 games against u-18 and u-20 competition. Once on the big club he struggled to get ice time because of his age. Despite his lack of playing time, Friberg remained one of the teams' hardest workers.

In Friberg's second season with Skövde IK he would play a larger role. Despite being only 17, he would play his way into more ice time, and a spot on the team's top two lines. The physical edge he plays with made him an ideal penalty killer, and his high skill allowed him to play the power play. He finished the season with 30 points in 36 games, which was tops in the league for any player under 18.

This season, despite being Skövde IK youngest player, Friberg has been even better. He finished second in team scoring and was one of their most reliable players. Friberg scored 40 points in 34 games for Skövde IK. Max's penalty totals might be the most impressive stat for his season. Friberg only took three minor penalties in 34 games, while being one of the teams' most physical players.

Max Friberg has also represented Sweden very well over the past two years. He suited up for them at the World Under 18 Championships and scored 5 points in 6 games. Overall, he tallied 10 points in 15 games for Sweden's U-18 team, while being a solid 2-way player and providing a physical presence. A strong season last year, vaulted him into the picture for Sweden's world jr team this season. Friberg entered the season as a long shot for the team, but made it impossible to keep him off, with his strong play for Skövde IK, his relentless work ethic, and the edge that he plays with. While Friberg didn't see a ton of playing time in Buffalo, he did score one of the most impressive goals of the tournament, when he batted the puck in out of mid air against Canada. He also gave Sweden a physical presence by finishing every check and being extremely good in the corners. Friberg would finish the tournament with 2 goals in 6 games.

Future Considerations had this report on Max Friberg, "One of the biggest surprises of the tournament. Not much was known about Friberg before his strong international showings of late as he was subject to very limited viewing before 10-11 but he has really jumped out especially with his performance in Buffalo. Coming from a division 1 team, Skovde IK, one thing is for sure; he has SEL skills. He is a quick darting winger with loads of energy, good hands and strong puck control at top speed. Despite being smallish, he weighs in at 180-pounds so he is not really tiny, he plays a feisty game where he is always involved and consistently generating chances. His quick feet, lightning fast release and willingness to engage physically with anyone are his best assets. His draft stock is sure to skyrocket after the performance he put forth in Buffalo."

As good as Friberg has been on the ice this season, it is his attitude off the ice that will likely win over a few GM's at the NHL combine. When Max was asked a few questions in a recent interview, here is how he responded. "You are a skilled guy that is very aware at both ends of the ice, what do you see being your best attributes as a hockey player"? "My skating, hard work, and the way I shoot the puck, and make plays in the offensive zone. I also think I’m quite good at sacrificing my body for the team, like blocking shots". "Is there an NHLer you mold your game after"? "Not really, but I like players that not only score and not only hit, I like the ones which can do them both". "If you could pick the NHL team that selects you who would you choose"? "If there is a team that likes me, and picks me, I would love that team so it doesn't matter". "If you could have dinner with any 3 people you wanted, who would you pick"? "Wayne Gretzky, my dad, and Jessica Biel would get a seat as well". "What is the most embarrassing song on your iPod"? "Maybe the soundtrack from Miracle, some people think that makes me kind of a hockey geek". All these answers are sure to win over GM's, they show that he loves the game, and will do whatever it takes for his team to be successful.

Overall, some may see Max Friberg as being a bit on the small side, but with his combination of heart, work ethic, and passion for the game, he should be able to overcome that. Max plays a simple game that involves him getting in hard on the forcheck, finishing his checks, getting pucks to the net and going to the net, which will make any coach happy. Friberg should one day be able to slot in on the second line and put up 50-65 points in the NHL and 200 plus hits. His assets are his passion, skill, work ethic, leadership, speed, shot blocking, and character. His only flaws are he doesn't look to have that superstar talent, and he may be a bit small to play a physical game at the NHL level. Max Friberg will be a steal for some GM at the draft in June.

NHL Comparison- Ryan Callahan

Works Cited

http://dansallows.com/interview-max-friberg/

http://www.hockeywilderness.com/2011/1/12/1930538/on-the-rise-nhl-mock-draft-wild-select-max-friberg

http://futureconsiderationsdotca.wordpress.com/2011/01/10/draft-eligibles-put-forth-mixed-performance-in-buffalo/