Blazers' 15-year-old prospect Mats Lindgren has impressed coaching staff and management during training camp (Image Credit: Kamloops Blazers / Allen Douglas)

By Chad Klassen

MATS LINDGREN

Lindgren impressing Blazers, will suit up for first WHL game this weekend

Aug 30, 2019 | 2:45 PM

KAMLOOPS — It doesn’t take long to see that Mats Lindgren has wheels. The speedy 5’8″, 155-pound defenseman has show in training camp that with his speed, he’s ready for the Western Hockey League, even at 15 years old.

“Very impressive skater. World-class skater for his age group,” said Blazers head coach Shaun Clouston. “Great agility, plays with his head up, can distribute the puck real well. We’re super excited about his future. It’s great to see him on the ice with the older guys. He fits right in, and at a real young age he can get up and down the ice with these guys no problem.”

Lindgren added, “I would say my skating’s my strength probably, using it to make plays all over the ice, offensively and defensively.”

Ironically, speed is not as much as an emphasis in Sweden, where Lindgren grew up from the time he was two months old until 13 years.

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“They focus on skill development, like edges, edge control. Not as much [focus] on speed as Canada. They’re a little slower. It’s fun coming here and seeing the guys’ speed. They have much bigger guys than in Sweden,” he said.

Lindgren is the son of former NHLer by the same name, Mats Lindgren, who played one season for the Canucks to end his career in 2003.

There were some questions whether he would even play in Kamloops. When he was drafted seventh overall by the Blazers in May’s WHL Draft, Lindgren had verbally committed to the University of Michigan.

However, GM Matt Bardsley convinced him to sign in Kamloops, a decision Lindgren is happy with.

“I was so shocked by all the trainers, coaches, everything. It was so welcoming. Even the players, [Connor] Zary, [Luke] Zazula, [Quinn] Schmiemann. Those guys are really so welcoming and have been good to me so far,” noted Lindgren. “I like the city a lot. Everything’s just been good here. I came to the development camp, I’ve just been stunned by everything. I’m looking forward to next season to be able to play.”

As a 15 year old, Lindgren will return home to the Burnaby Winter Club. He’ll be eligible to be called up for five regular season games. Then once his season is over on the coast, he’ll be free to play with the Blazers whenever the team prefers.

In the meantime, Lindgren will suit up in his first WHL game this weekend when the Blazers’ preseason schedule faces off.

“It’ll be a big shift from last year playing bantam. Hopefully it’ll be good. Hopefully I can keep up with the guys. Hopefully I get some help from the older guys.” Lindgren has already turned heads during camp.

The Blazers host the Victoria Royals on Saturday night at 7 p.m. at Sandman Centre. They then welcome Kelowna on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.

It’s not known if Lindgren will play in both games. Clouston says there’s a lot to look forward to in his game.

“There are lots of things about his game that are WHL-ready,” he said. “I think the great thing is there isn’t a rush, so he’s got some developing he can do physically. This will be a real good year to go back and play with his club team and really focus on strength and nutrition, and I’m sure he’ll be up to play with us. The plan is to have him join us at the end of the season.”