Hilda Svensson: "Would have liked to play with boys"

HV71's Hilda Svensson has started the JVM with a goal and an assist in two games against the USA and Canada.

She has been widely praised for her gaming intelligence.

"She possesses incredible game intelligence, a skill I can sometimes lack in women's hockey," said HV71's then sports manager Jenni Asserholt when the talent was presented before the season.

"Focuses a lot on my understanding of the game"

- I focus a lot on my understanding of the game, try to lie correctly all the time and read passes and such.

It's a part of my game that I try to focus on quite a lot.

I already worked a lot with it when I was little with my father, says Hilda Svensson.

Hilda Svensson made a big impact in the TV puck last year when she led Småland to a second straight gold as captain.

This year's season in the SDHL is her first full one with a women's team, previously she has mostly played with boys - last year with Växjö's U16 team where, among other things, there were games in the SM.

The years with boys have shaped her a lot.

“Had a huge impact on me”

- I think it has influenced me a lot.

It is quite tough there and we have run with tackles then.

They are very competitive and that means that you yourself become very competitive and drive quite hard on the ice.

I think it has affected me a lot now that we are allowed to run with tackles, that I am part of them.

Besides the tackles, what has it gotten you?

- It is very common in boys that you can drive very hard on the ice and then off it, you let it go quite easily.

But I think most of it is the speed and the tackles.

Has it been a big step to join a women's team?

- I was involved a little already last season with HV and Troja.

But facing women's teams all the time is a bit unusual, but now I'm getting more used to it.

Sweden ends the group stage in the JVM with a match against Finland tomorrow.

SVT broadcasts.