Thomas Forslund

Thomas Forslund became a fan favourite in Leksand, known for his physical playArticle in SportbladetRead the sourceArticle in HockeysverigeRead the sourceClose. Thomas ForslundArticle in Leksands IFRead the sourceClose grew up in Borlänge’s sporting community and supported Leksand from childhood, he recalled in a 2013 interview with Leksands IF. Mats ÅhlbergArticle in Leksands IFRead the sourceClose was his idol. He also played football for Tunabro and was selected for Dalarna’s regional representative teamArticle in Leksands IFRead the sourceClose.

Looking back on his move to Leksand in the same interview, Forslund credited an extra year of senior hockey in Division 2 with Dobel with helping him make the transitionArticle in Leksands IFRead the sourceClose. He had also considered Mora, but youth national-team coach Bengt “Fisken” Ohlson encouraged him to choose LeksandArticle in Leksands IFRead the sourceClose. Forslund identified Dan Labraaten and Christer Abris there as important influences on his developmentArticle in Leksands IFRead the sourceClose.

On 2 October 1994Article in SHLRead the sourceClose, Forslund scored 6 goals as Leksand beat Rögle 9–2. In his 2021Article in SHLRead the sourceClose interview with SHLSHLSHL, the Swedish Hockey League, is Sweden’s top men’s domestic ice hockey league.Close, he recalled shortening his stick slightly before the game to get the right feel.

Another recollection in the 2013Article in Leksands IFRead the sourceClose club interview concerned a power cut during a Sweden game in Norway, when Forslund got his teammates singing the Swedish children’s song En kulen natt in a candlelit dressing room. He thought it happened before the 1994 World ChampionshipArticle in Leksands IFRead the sourceClose, but the particular game and exact date have not been established.