67’s prospect Ekberg shines in Hlinka Gretzky Cup opener

Photo credit: Andy Devlin / Hockey Canada

Ottawa 67’s prospect Filip Ekberg was the star in the opening game of the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

The Swedish forward scored twice – that included the game-winner in overtime – in a 4-3 win against Slovakia in Edmonton, AB.

“I got the pass from [Viktor] Klingsell and it opened up,” Ekberg said. “I got so much space and went in and somehow it went in. It [felt] really nice.”

Ekberg scored the opening goal of the tournament 2:10 into the first period as he collected the puck from the left corner, skated through the top of the crease before he beat Slovakian goaltender Michal Pradel.

After Slovakia erased a 3-1 deficit in the third period, Ekberg gave Sweden victory with 1:29 left in overtime as he again skated in from the left dot and went high to beat Pradel for the game-winner.

“When the first goal went in I knew when the second time came that I’d try it again and it worked,” Ekberg said.

The 17-year-old was the 33rd overall pick by Ottawa in the 2024 CHL Import Draft and is considered a top prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft.

“It’s a really great organization and I can’t wait to be there,” Ekberg said of the 67’s.

He spent the bulk of the 2023-24 season with Almtuma IS’ U20 squad where he had 12 goals and 29 points in 33 games. He also played 19 games with the senior team in Sweden’s HockeyAllsvenskan, the country’s second division. In his pro debut in 2022-23, he scored a hat-trick with the club.

“He is a cerebral offensive talent, with slick puck skills,” said 67’s Associate General Manager and Director of Scouting Jan Egert.

Internationally, Ekberg starred at the 2023 World Under-17 Challenge where he had eight points (two goals) to finish tied eighth in tournament scoring as Sweden won the bronze medal.

Whenever Ekberg makes his 67’s debut, he’d become just the third Swedish player to suit up for the club and the first since Frederik Oduya in 1994-95. But with a big 12 months ahead, he’s eager to showcase his talent in North America.

“I want to get ready,” Ekberg said. “My biggest goal is to play in the NHL so to get over there and play in smaller rinks and [improve] my game would be great.”

In November, the CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada will take place where the top first-year NHL Draft-eligible prospects from the CHL’s three member leagues will face off against the USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP) in a two-game series. More details will be made available soon.