Coming from a small town and small club in Sweden, William Karlsson was not very well known when he traveled to play for Canada West Elite in New England Pro-Am Hockey’s 2009 Junior Chowder Cup. Everyone at the tournament knew who the centerman was by its conclusion, however. Karlsson taking the Junior Chowder Cup by storm, leading the tournament in total scoring and named its top forward.
“The 2009 Junior Chowder Cup was his coming out party,” Canada West general manager Lou Gravel said.
Nine years later, Karlsson is once again making a name for himself. This time in the National Hockey League.
After totaling just 50 points in his first four NHL season – one with the Anaheim Ducks and three with the Columbus Blue Jackets – Karlsson has broken out in year no. 5. He has nearly doubled his career point total (29G, 19A) in his first 55 games played this season for the Vegas Golden Knights.
The 25-year old’s 48 points ranked fifth in the NHL in scoring as of February 12 and led the Golden Knights, who have been amongst the best teams in the league from the start of their expansion season.
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