By Glen Erickson /
The four games he played last season as a 15-year-old gave Jesse Forsberg an opportunity to get a taste of WHL action. This season, the Waldheim, Sask.-native has parlayed his skill set into a heaping helping of ice time.
“When you first come up, there are definitely jitters,” Forsberg said. “Last year when I came up, I was kind of nervous and just wanted to make sure I didn’t get scored on. So I just kind of dumped the puck out most of the time. But this year, I’ve already been given a shot to be on the powerplay, so it’s a lot of fun and I hope I can keep up. They want me to be an offensive guy.”
Forsberg has also demonstrated a feisty side—a willingness to engage opponents when called upon. The battles are part of establishing himself across the league. The effort has not gone unnoticed by head coach Dean Clark.
“He’s responded great,” Clark said. “I wish some of the veterans would take his lead as far as the intensity he brings to the game. He’s a competitor. He’s going to be a very good player in this league and for us and we’re very happy he’s a PG Cougar.”
Through 29 games, the 6-0, 195-pound rearguard has scored once and added 14 assists. He has collected 57 penalty minutes and has a minus-7 rating. Selected in the first round, 11th overall, at the 2008 WHL Bantam Draft, Forsberg has quickly made an impression on general manager Dallas Thompson.
“Right from day one here, he kind of established himself as a guy who deserves to play a lot of minutes,” Thompson said. “He is very capable and should become a big-time player. He works hard, his vision on the ice is excellent and his physical strength is right where it has to be. He’s only going to get better and better.
“After the game is over, he sure looks like a hockey player. He’s got some marks on him and he certainly competes. He’s had some contact with Hockey Canada and I wouldn’t be surprised if we lose him at Christmas for the U-17 tournament. He’s that good.”
Forsberg, who will celebrate his 17th birthday on Aug. 13, knows what he does well. And he seems intent on continuing to improve.
“I have pretty good offensive skills,” he said. “I come to the rink every night and work as hard as I can. I can play pretty physical hockey too, kind of gritty and I want to bring energy to the team. I just have to make sure that they have the confidence to keep putting me out there on the ice.” |