Tom Willander (born 9 February 2005) is a Swedish college ice hockey defenceman for Boston University in Hockey East. Willander was drafted 11th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2023 NHL entry draft.[1] Prior to joining Boston University Willander played for Rögle BK in the Swedish Hockey League.

Tom Willander
Born (2005-02-09) 9 February 2005 (age 19)
Stockholm, Sweden
Height 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight 179 lb (81 kg; 12 st 11 lb)
Position Defence
Shoots Right
HE team
Former teams
Boston University
Rögle BK
NHL draft 11th overall, 2023
Vancouver Canucks
Playing career 2023–present

Playing career

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Willander committed to playing for Boston University in the NCAA in his post-draft year, citing playing in college as better for his development over playing in the SHL.[2] Willander scored the game-winning goal against Team Canada during the grouping stage of the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, ensuring the highest seed for Team Sweden.[3]

International play

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Medal record
Representing   Sweden
Ice hockey
World Junior Championships
  2024 Sweden
World U18 Championships
  2023 Switzerland

Willander represented Sweden at the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and won a silver medal.

Career statistics

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Regular season and playoffs

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Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2021–22 AIK J20 12 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0
2021–22 AIK Allsv 1 0 0 0 0
2022–23 Rögle BK J20 39 4 21 25 22 6 1 3 4 0
2022–23 Rögle BK SHL 2 0 0 0 0
2023–24 Boston University HE 38 4 21 25 10
SHL totals 2 0 0 0 0

International

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Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2022 Sweden HG18   5 0 2 2 4
2023 Sweden U18   7 3 5 8 27
2024 Sweden WJC   7 1 2 3 2
Junior totals 19 4 9 13 33

Awards and honors

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Award Year
College
All-Hockey East Second Team 2024 [4]

References

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  1. ^ "Canucks Tom Willander is prudent NHL draft pick to improve defence". theprovince.com. 28 June 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
  2. ^ Kimelman, Adam. "Willander turns down Sweden pro league for NCAA ahead of 2023 NHL Draft". NHL. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  3. ^ Johnston, Patrick. "World Juniors: Canucks prospect Tom Willander leads Sweden to win over Canada". National Post. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
  4. ^ "HOCKEY EAST NAMES 2023-24 MEN'S ALL-STAR TEAMS". Hockey East. 15 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
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Awards and achievements
Preceded by Vancouver Canucks first round draft pick
2023
Succeeded by
Incumbent