Ludvig Larsson Will Represent Lone Star Brahmas At Dallas Stars Development Camp

Ludvig Larsson has been on quite a ride the past several months. In a few weeks, he will see that ride reach new heights when he reports to the Dallas Stars Development Camp.

The adventure began for the Malmo Sweden native when he came to the US to compete for a spot on the USHL Youngstown Phantoms roster. Larsson played his way through camp with the Phantoms and participated in one preseason game with Youngstown. He eventually found his way to the Lone Star Brahmas playing his first game on October 10, kicking off an offensive onslaught that continued through the NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs.

More from Dallas Sports

• Re-grading the Dallas Cowboys 2017 draft: Looking back
• Dallas Cowboys defense is great but also has room for improvement
• FC Dallas products play major role in USMNT win over Honduras
• Mavs Gaming and WWP Honor Mental Health Month
• Texas Rangers: 3 biggest questions this offseason

Larsson scored at least one point in 13 of his first 15 NAHL games and went on to score 55 points ( 21G – 34A ) in 51 regular season games. He had two hat tricks on the season with his biggest game of the season coming in mid-December against the Odessa Jackalopes when he put up five points on three goals and two assists. His output continued in the post season where he added four goals and two assists in 10 games. It didn’t take long for Larsson to hit the radar of the NCAA scouts and he quickly signed with Merrimack College where he will play alongside his older brother Alfred.

It wasn’t just the NCAA that took notice of his abilities. The Dallas Stars Director of Scouting and Player Development, Les Jackson was impressed as well. Jackson has developed a close relationship with Brahmas’ head coach Dan Wildfong and made the short trip to North Richland Hills for a few practices and games to watch Larsson and others progress throughout the season. Jackson saw enough from Ludvig to convince him that an invitation to the Stars Development Camp was warranted.

“To get the invitation from the Dallas Stars was very exciting,” said Larsson. “It is an honor and it really means a lot to me to get this opportunity.” He is looking forward to not only the experience of competing with the Stars’ top prospects and draft picks, but also off ice seminars helping young players in dealing with the media, and finances.

Merrimack will likely see benefits from the camp as well when Larsson reports to school next season. “To be able to skate with some of the top prospects in the Stars organization and participate in this camp will develop me both on and off the ice in several ways,” he said. “I think this this will give me a confidence boost which will make the transition from junior hockey to college hockey easier. I also think that I will be able to share some of my experience with my future teammates.”

Warriors head coach Mark Dennehy believes development camp participation pays big dividends for his program. The Warriors have several players who will be attending camps this summer and he sees a boost of confidence from those players who receive the invitations. He said that everyone at Merrimack must earn their ice time, but with what they have seen from Larsson he feels that he should get significant playing time right off the bat. “Ludvig’s skillset, skating, vision and puck handling just jumps off the page at you,” said Dennehy. “ When you watched the Brahmas this year he was one of the most talented guys on the ice and it just became a no-brainer for us. I believe he is one of the most skilled players we have recruited in several years.”

“Ludvig’s skillset, skating, vision and puck handling just jumps off the page at you,”

A player does not reach the level of success that Larsson has without a lot of hard work, dedication and preparation to go along with a good measure of natural ability. Genetics and natural ability were likely passed down from his father Carl-Erik who played professionally for 11 seasons in Sweden registering 170 points in 342 games. Ludvig began his hockey development in Sweden as well and worked his way up through his hometown Malmo Redhawks organization. He reached the J20 SuperElit league before coming to the US where his preparation continued with the Brahmas under the tutelage of Wildfong and assistant Jeff Potter.

“I could not be more prepared for the future after spending a year with the Brahmas. I had a great season and I am very happy and thankful that I got the opportunity to play for the Brahmas,” Larsson said. He credited the entire Lone Star organization not just the coaching staff for his success in the NAHL. “I had a host family in the Skinners that took great care of me, and I hope I will get to meet them as well as others from the organization now when I get back to Dallas in July. The coaching staff and teammates have been outstanding and have pushed me every day to become a better person and hockey player.” The fact that he had landed in an extremely positive environment became quickly apparent when he stepped onto the NYTEX Sports Centre ice for his first home game with the Brahmas. “One of my best memories as a Brahma was our home opener in front of a packed building,” he recalled. “I had never experienced any more enthusiastic and passionate fans. They have been great all the season and I will never forget the amazing atmosphere in the shoe box.”

When the camp gets underway the week of July 6th, Larsson will see a familiar face on the ice in Wildfong who will be participating as one of the camp coaches. His presence will not be lost on Larsson. “Coach Wildfong is a great coach and he has always supported and believed in me. It feels great to have him around during the camp and it will reduce some of the nerves at first. I am sure he will give me some good advice.”

The camp is open to the public and those wishing to get a glimpse of some future Stars will not be disappointed. The full camp schedule and list of invitees will be released shortly.