Alex Forsberg didn’t need much convincing to join the Saskatchewan Huskies men’s hockey team.
“I have my older brother here and a lot of close friends and they told me what it’s like, and it’s not the end of the line and I’m excited to be here,” he said.
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Forsberg’s big brother Jesse has played for the Dogs for the past two seasons. When Alex finished his final year of major junior hockey in the spring, Jesse’s sales pitch was a simple one.
“I just talked to him a lot about how much fun I was having and stuff. You know, we wanted to play together again,” he said.
The brothers, who hail from Waldheim, Sask., previously played together as members of the WHL’s Prince George Cougars. Jesse is a defenceman; Alex plays forward.
After introducing his little brother to life in the WHL, Jesse now has an opportunity to help Alex adjust to being a student-athlete in the CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport).
“I’m a pretty intense guy so I’m always dialed in, so that’s kind of what I’m trying to do. I’m probably a lot harder on him than I am other guys but I think I push him and he pushes me so it’s real good,” Jesse said.
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Alex is one of ten new recruits with WHL experience skating with the Huskies this fall. He had 91 points (30 goals, 61 assists) with the Victoria Royals last season, finishing ninth in WHL scoring. In addition to the Prince George Cougars, he also had a brief stint with the Saskatoon Blades prior to playing in Victoria.
While still recovering from a shoulder injury he sustained during the Royals’ playoff run, Forsberg hopes to be ready for the Dogs’ season opener.
“We’ve made sure he’s rehabbed it properly and he’s with our athletic therapist so that he has a chance. But when he’s healthy I think that he’ll be a welcome addition,” said Huskies head coach Dave Adolph.
The younger Forsberg is hoping to give the reigning Canada West champions some extra scoring help.
“I like to be a pass-first guy, that’s always what I’ve been like. Last year I had a lot of success on the power play and that related to my overall game and I think that’s what I want to bring here,” he said.
If he does, Forsberg will give the Dogs yet another weapon as they chase their first national title since 1983, a prospect that excites his older brother.
“In junior we got a year together but to be able to have three and have an opportunity to win some championships together is huge and we’re so excited to have that opportunity,” Jesse said.
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