Mattias Ohlund is a retired Swedish professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 13 seasons. He was born on September 9, 1976, in Piteå, Sweden. Ohlund began his professional career in 1994 with Luleå HF in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He played for Luleå for three seasons before being drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft.
Ohlund made his NHL debut with the Canucks in the 1997-98 season and quickly established himself as a reliable defenseman. He was known for his physical play, strong defensive skills, and ability to contribute offensively. Ohlund played for the Canucks for 11 seasons, from 1997 to 2008, and was a key player on the team during that time. He was named an NHL All-Star in 1999 and was a finalist for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL's top defenseman, in 2006.
In 2008, Ohlund signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He played for the Lightning for two seasons, from 2008 to 2010, before being traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 2010. Ohlund played his final NHL season with the Canucks in 2010-11 before retiring from professional hockey.
Over the course of his NHL career, Ohlund played in 909 games and scored 93 goals and 325 assists for a total of 418 points. He was a reliable and consistent player who was respected by his teammates and opponents alike. Ohlund was also known for his leadership on and off the ice, serving as an alternate captain for the Canucks for several seasons.
In addition to his NHL career, Ohlund also represented Sweden in international competition. He played for Sweden in the 1996 World Junior Championships, the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics, and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Ohlund was a key player on the Swedish team that won the gold medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy.
After retiring from professional hockey, Ohlund returned to Sweden and became involved in youth hockey development. He served as the head coach of the Swedish U18 national team from 2013 to 2015 and has also worked as a scout for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Overall, Mattias Ohlund had a successful and respected career in professional hockey. He was a reliable and consistent player who was known for his physical play, strong defensive skills, and leadership on and off the ice. Ohlund's contributions to the game of hockey have been recognized by his peers and fans, and he remains a respected figure in the hockey community.
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