Mustang import Gibbs Sjödin going with the ‘fro

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The MOAT: Melbourne Mustangs have bolstered their roster as they attempt to make their first playoff series since joining the AIHL in 2011. Having already secured the services of Joey and Vinnie Hughes, attention now turns to the new imports.
 
Looking to add another impact forward to complement their bolstered blue line, the Mustangs have signed Swedish forward Viktor Gibbs Sjödin.
 
The 184cm, 102kg Swede brings experience and flair to the Mustangs, having represented Sweden in the World Juniors before being picked up in the 2006 NHL Draft by the Nashville Predators as the 206 pick overall. Gibbs Sjöden played two seasons at the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL before returning to Sweden.
 
Gibbs cites playing for Team Sweden in the World under 18s amongst the highlights of his junior career as he was able to play against future NHL stars Jonathan Bernier and John Tavares.
 
The WHL was also a learning curve for Gibbs who learnt “how to act like a pro both on and off the ice.” The time was prosperous for the Swedish gun, scoring 19 goals and 18 assists in 102 games.

Moving back to Sweden, Gibbs continued his high level of play, joining BIK Karlskoga in the Allsvenskan league, the second highest competition of Swedish hockey. Incuding time with Oskarshamn, Gibbs played four seasons of Allsvenskan hockey.
 
In recent years, Gibbs has been playing in Division 1, the third tier of Swedish hockey. In 2013/14, Gibbs Sjöden played 27 games for Enköpings SK, posting 24 points before relocating to Budapest in Hungary to play for Ferencvárosi TC in MOL Liga, putting up nine points in 12 games.
 
Having arrived in Melbourne this week, Gibbs is not only prepared to put in the hard yards for the Mustangs, but is also looking to enjoy a more temperate climate than he is used to at his Scandinavian home.
 
“I’m looking forward to having fun,” Gibbs Sjödin said. “I have promised myself to enjoy hockey more and that's what I will do. I hope we will win a lot of games and that everyone will compete at their best level.”
 
“I have my girlfriend with me here in Melbourne and we both hope to start something new and exciting here in Australia. Sweden is too cold and boring for us and we needed some time away from there.”
 
Off the ice, Gibbs is hoping to find time to enjoy what Australia has to offer and has seemingly already worked out what everyone likes about the AFL.
 
“I want to surf, skydive, bungy jump, watch Richmond beat Collingwood in the AFL, go to festivals, see wild kangaroos, ride horses, travel up the coast, climb your biggest mountain, meet new friends and have a blast,” he said. “I don't know how much of that I will actually accomplish, but if I get to do half of those things, I'll be more than happy.”
 
On the ice, however, is where it will count for the Mustangs but Gibbs is humble yet confident of how he can contribute.
 
“I might not be the guy who scores 100 points - I'll leave that to Pat O'Kane - but I love to be part of a team and will use my experience to try and help us win every night,” Gibbs Sjödin said. “If that means to score a big goal or block a shot on the penalty kill, it's no difference to me. Because, at the end of the day, all aspects of the game are equally important to make your team successful.”
 
It’s not just the Mustangs coaching staff and his teammates that will be excited about him joining the team. Expect to see orange afro wigs gracing the stands of the Icehouse this season. If the Mustangs’ merchandising department aren’t already producing logo-emblazoned orange wigs then they should get onto it quickly.
 
“Well, there's been a lot of talk about my hair already. As of now, it’s medium-sized and I believe it will stay that way until it decides to do otherwise,” Gibbs Sjödin joked. “I just think it's important to remember that size is not everything and that whatever size your hair is, you should always believe in yourself and your own capabilities. I encourage and recommend every player in the AIHL to get a good flow going this season. It will look great on pictures and the ladies are going love it.”
 
With momentum building for the Mustangs, the signing of a marquee player like Gibbs could see more orange in the packed stands of the Icehouse when they play their city rivals.
 
Viktor Gibbs Sjödin will play his first game for the MOAT: Melbourne Mustangs this Sunday against the reigning Goodall Cup champions, the Reach Crane Trucks Sydney Ice Dogs at the Medibank Icehouse.