The Aberdeen Wings, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that defenseman Hugo Lindman Gustafsson has signed a professional contract to play hockey for Hockey Ettan’s KRIF Hockey.
Gustafsson, 21, spent his final year of junior eligibility with the Wings, appearing in 50 games during the 2021-22 season. The 6’0″ 195 lb. native of Ostervala, Sweden was fifth in team scoring among defensemen, scoring four goals and adding ten assists during the regular season. He also added a goal and and assist in seven playoff games.
Before coming to the United States, Gustafsson played hockey across Sweden. He spent six seasons playing at various levels for Almtuna IS, and spent his 2020-21 season playing for Brynäs. He appeared in two games for Brynäs in the SHL, the top-tier division in Sweden.
He also has prior experience with Hockey Ettan, Sweden’s third tier of hockey, when he was loaned to both Enköping and Strömsbro.
“I’m hooked and it’s going to be really fun to represent KRIF,” he said in a press release. “I have heard a lot of positive things about the business, both in terms of high ambition and how the club develops players. I look forward to giving the team and the fans everything I have.”
“I am very happy for Hugo,” Wings head coach Steve Jennings said. “He had options to play college hockey here in the US, but this is a great opportunity for him. He’s going to a great club in a very strong division and I am sure he will do well there. I am also exited to hear he will be getting an opportunity to get a degree while playing there, something that is very important to him. I look forward to seeing how he continues to progress in hockey.”