Forssander and Rydqvist: Gothenburg duo set for first and final season together

With the 2024 hockey season finally here, two Miami University RedHawks players from Gothenburg, Sweden, look to hit the ice for their first and last season together.

Graduate student defenseman Hampus Rydqvist kicks off his fifth year with the RedHawks, looking to play as often as possible in his final season of eligibility.

Teodor Forssander, a first-year forward, also said he is aiming to earn his time on the ice under a new coaching staff and numerous roster changes.

The two grew up in Gothenburg and began playing hockey at a young age, following older family members to the rink by the time they could walk.

“I started early watching my older cousin, and I wanted to go on the ice so badly,” Forssander said. “I was definitely too young, but they let me on just to skate a little bit.”

Both players skated competitively for various organizations, but they played together for the Frölunda Hockey Club.

As their juniors career came to an end, both had the opportunity to either develop a professional career or play at the college level.

The decision to compete collegiately, with the overarching goal of playing in the National Hockey League, was simple.

The year before arriving at Miami, Rydqvist spent the 2019-20 season playing for the Maryland Black Bears of the North American Hockey League.

Immediately following his arrival in Oxford, he made a huge impact with the RedHawks. He saw the ice in 24 of Miami’s 25 games during his first year alone, and by junior and senior year, he skated in all 36 games each season.

A four-time member of the NCHC Academic All-Conference Team, Rydqvist returns to the program looking to lead the RedHawks on and off the ice for one final season.

Head coach Anthony Noreen, entering his first season with the RedHawks, shares his excitement about having Rydqvist return for his graduate season.

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“Hampus is a guy that really believes in this place and wants to be a part of this program getting turned around,” Noreen said. “He brings a ton of energy. He loves the game, loves life and always has a smile on his face.”

Noreen has worked effortlessly to prepare the incoming first-years for their time on the ice.

With Forssander, not only is this his first time skating for Miami, but it’s his first time living in the United States.

“We want to do everything possible to get him to a position where he feels comfortable with what’s going on with his game,” Noreen said. “I want him to feel like he’s getting better and developing in the classroom and on the ice.”

Rydqvist, having played a year of hockey in the United States prior to Miami, had more time to transition to life in Oxford.

“For me, it was a little easier,” Rydqvist said. “I came here to play juniors, so I got to live the American life with the people who took care of me. When it comes to American culture, I am a naturally curious person. I wanted to move here to feel uncomfortable, but it wasn’t really bad for me.”

Despite being from another country, Forssander has worked with Noreen and the other players to get himself adjusted. The team wants to make everyone feel welcome and ensure that the campus feels like home.

Forssander found this adjustment to be difficult but alleviated by the fact there are three other Swedish players on the roster: Rydqvist, junior forward William Hallén and first-year forward Casper Nässen.

“I’ve been here for two months now and I’m still getting used to everything,” Forssander said. “The language of course, and the American culture, but I like it a lot. I have three guys here from Sweden, which is comfortable. It feels a little bit like home.”

Ahead of their opening series against the Ferris State University Bulldogs, the updated roster and new coaching staff have worked to transform a program that was once very successful back to what it used to be.

The season is set to begin in Big Rapids, Michigan on Oct. 4 at 8:07 p.m.

lubyhj@miamioh.edu