"MoDo" After-School Sessions

Swedish-inspired sessions that take place right after school from Sept-Nov. Thursdays 2:40PM @ Chase Arena

Ever wondered why Sweden is so good at turning out elite-level players?

It starts with their hockey culture. Curious about what Victor Hedman has to say about his experience growing up in O-Vik and playing for MoDo? (which was the only team he played for prior to playing in the NHL!) Or want to read about Linus Ullmark playing for MoDo for six years prior to become a Bruins superstar? Here's a sneak peak:

Ullmark:

“It is insane how much pressure there is on kids these days,” he said, reflecting particularly on what he has witnessed since coming to the United States in 2015. “I mean, you are 8 years old and you have to make the team? What? You are playing hockey because it’s fun. You are not playing hockey to make a living.

“Your kid is not going to become an NHL player because he’s the best in his class at 8 years old.”

Hedman:

Until I was 14, there were no “tryouts.” If you’re born in O-vik, you play for MoDo or one of the other local teams. There are different levels, but you are never cut. When people talk about Swedish hockey, they often mention the “chemistry” of the players. But really, it’s a total philosophy of community that starts when you’re young.

I don’t ever remember any pressure to make it to the NHL, or even the Swedish Elite League. Certainly not from my parents. They just wanted me to have fun. 

So when I think about the magic of Swedish hockey, I think of one word: fun.

I just remember hockey being so much fun.

We can't promise NHL success like Ullmark and Hedman have...but we can promise an environment that will be:

• fun
• competitive
• amongst friends
• 5 minutes from your house; and
• what civic-based hockey is all about.

Victor Hedman and Linus Ullmark during their MoDo days.