Theo Stockselius scored his first SHL goal for Djurgården on Thursday, beating the goalkeeper with a solo move midway through the second period against Brynäs. After his first shot was blocked, the 19-year-old recovered the puck, skated into the slot and deked the goalie before lifting the puck into the net.
“I’ve felt I’ve had a lot of chances, both this year and last, and have been waiting for my first goal. It’s a relief to get it out of the way and move on,” Stockselius said. He added that he was feeling very well: “I’m healthy and playing for my dream team.”
Stockselius was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2022, aged 15, and underwent two major operations. He made his Djurgården SHL debut last season and signed an NHL contract with the Calgary Flames in the spring. He said playing for the club he had supported since childhood was a dream, and that he tries to enjoy the present because nothing can be taken for granted.
His older brother Lucas is also playing his first full SHL season, with Örebro. Stockselius said the brothers support each other, though they usually talk about other things rather than hockey.