Sheffield Steelers' Ivan Nordström still has plenty to prove in Great Britain push
Ivan Björkly Nordström has returned to Sheffield after spending the international break in Poland with a Great Britain development squad,
Sheffield Steelers forward Ivan Björkly Nordström says he still has “a lot to prove” as he looks to secure his place in the Great Britain squad for the World Championships later this season.
Nordström has returned to Sheffield after spending the international break in Poland with a Great Britain development squad, where a number of younger players were given the opportunity to impress.
The 22-year-old is no stranger to the senior set-up, having earned his first Great Britain caps at last year’s World Championships, where he featured in five games.
This latest camp was another chance to strengthen his case for selection at the end of the season.
“My role was quite similar to my role here,” said Nordström. “It was to get pucks deep, create offence and be physical.
“I also got a chance on the penalty kill and the power play, which is obviously a little bit different for me compared with the Steelers.
“My role was to be offensive, be structured and also to be a leader for some of the younger guys.”
Despite already having senior international experience, Nordström admits he came away from the camp feeling there was still more he could have shown.
“I definitely have a lot to prove still,” he said. “After this camp, I’m not fully happy with my performance. I thought I could have produced a little bit more.
“But the end goal is always to make the team at the end of the season. This was a good stepping stone for me and I really enjoyed it.”
Now back in Sheffield, Nordström’s immediate attention turns once again to domestic hockey and the Steelers.
“I missed being around the boys as well,” he added. “It’s good to be back. We’ve got a big weekend ahead and obviously a huge week of practice before that.”