Anders Hedberg

Who is Anders Hedberg?

Anders Hedberg is a retired former professional ice hockey player who was one of the first European-born players to make an impact in North America. Along with countryman Ulf Nilsson, Hedberg signed a contract to come over to play for the Winnipeg Jets in the World Hockey Association in 1974, after having represented both Modo Hockey and Djurgårdens IF in his native Sweden. He was twice voted best junior in Sweden and as such the only one and is a graduate from the Stockholm School of Physical Education.

Prior to the mid-seventies, Europeans generally did not come to play in the National Hockey League, as the cartel of NHL owners had poor opinions of Europeans and European hockey. Players such as the Slovak-born but Canadian-raised Stan Mikita were the exception. Hedberg was an instant sensation in the WHA, recording 100 points in 65 games in his first season, and playing alongside established superstar Bobby Hull.

Hedberg played a starring role as the Jets won the Avco World Trophy titles in 1976 and 1978.