FRASER, Mich. – The Metro Jets continue to build for the upcoming 2020-21 season and today, announced the signing of Swedish forward Herman Ahokas.
A 2001 birth year, Ahokas has skated the past few seasons for HC Lidkoping, the same organization that produced current Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, the first overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft.
Ahokas is looking forward to making an impact next season with the Jets.
“I’ve always wanted to play in United States,” Ahokas said. “I saw the opportunity to go after my graduation, so I contacted my advisor, Daniel Ljung, and he has helped me with everything. When he showed me this opportunity, I knew it was a great chance.
“This is a great opportunity for me to develop and grow, both as a person and as a hockey player. This is a great team and the opportunities are endless.”
With the Jets, Ahokas will join forward Mathias Tellstrom (2015-17), goaltender Fredrik Meurling (2018-19) and defenseman Jesper Svadang (2019-20) as recent Swedes to play in Fraser.
“I noticed all of them when I checked the Metro Jets team history and have seen that they are great players,” said Ahokas. “I don’t know them personally, though.”
Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville has high hopes for Ahokas once he comes over the pond later this summer.
“We are excited for Herman to join our team,” Quenneville said. “He comes with a decorated resume and recommended by people we work with closely. I really liked his skill set in tight and his natural abilities offensively. We look forward to helping his overall game and put him in positions to succeed.
“We know he will love it here like so many other Euros have over the years and look forward to his arrival.”
Last season with HC Lidkoping, Ahokas collected 14 goals and 24 points in 22 games.
“I think the strongest part of my game is my ability to find good scoring opportunities and score,” Ahokas said.
What does Ahokas want to accomplish next season in a Jets jersey?
“I hope we will be a contender for the national championship,” said Ahokas. “I also want to see myself taking steps to be a better hockey player.”
