Max Westergård’s expected SHL breakthrough did not come last season, but the 19-year-old has made his mark this year. The Frölunda forward has eight points in 12 games, making him the league’s top-scoring junior at the time of the article. He says the team and his own game have both started well.
Last season, Westergård had only occasional opportunities with Frölunda, briefly joined IF Björklöven on loan and played mostly at U20 level. He says the crowded forward group made it difficult to earn a place, and admits he may not have been ready for the SHL. Looking back, he believes regular U20 ice time helped him develop.
His loan spell also proved challenging, with a broad squad and travel between Göteborg and Umeå. Westergård says scoring early this season has mattered to him, as he has always been a productive player as a junior. After a good summer, his goal was to secure a regular place; he says he is pleased with his start but knows he must keep working every day.