Mats Thelin

Mats Thelin became known for his hard-playing style as a defencemanArticle in HockeysverigeRead the sourceArticle in SportbladetRead the sourceClose. Mats ThelinArticle in HockeysverigeRead the sourceClose began playing organised hockey at 11 with Farsta AIK on an outdoor rink, he recalled in a 2015 interview with Hockeysverige. When choosing his next club, he decided to join the team that lost the S:t Erikscup finalArticle in HockeysverigeRead the sourceClose. That team was AIK, although he played another season in Farsta before joiningArticle in HockeysverigeRead the sourceClose.

In the same interview, Thelin said that moving the puck quickly helped him adapt as he progressed from AIK to the national team and the NHLArticle in HockeysverigeRead the sourceClose. Börje Salming was his idol, and the two later played together at AIKArticle in HockeysverigeRead the sourceClose.

In a 2015 interview with AIK, Thelin also recalled competing with Thomas ÅhlénArticle in AIK HockeyRead the sourceClose to score goals after skating the length of the rink. He also discussed his decision to retire after AIK’s promotion in 1993/94Article in AIK HockeyRead the sourceClose rather than continue playing for another club.

Thelin later worked as a marketing consultant for AIK, leaving the role in August 2017Article in AIK HockeyRead the sourceClose. In the club’s article about his departure, he said that his work in Tanzania also included an orphanageArticle in AIK HockeyRead the sourceClose.