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Steffen Soberg

 

The Swift Current Broncos are clearing the air on the status of goaltender Steffen Soberg.

A Washington Capitals spokesman told the local media that Soberg had skipped NHL training camp and returned to Norway to contemplate where he would play this year.

"He can't play over in Europe he is our property," said Broncos Coach and General Manager Mark Lamb.

"It has nothing to do with anything hockey related at this point."

Lamb squashed speculation Soberg was homesick and didn't want to be in Swift Current.

"It's personal issues and he won't be able to play until he takes care of all this stuff," Lamb said.

"We are hoping he can take care of it and be back as soon as possible."

Capitals goaltender coach Dave Prior echoed Lamb's sentiments and told the Washington Times he expects Soberg will be back in Swift Current this season. The Capitals selected Soberg in the fourth round of this June's NHL draft. Swift Current then picked him sixth overall in the CHL import draft.

In the meantime, the Broncos are moving forward with sophomore Austin Smith and rookie Steven Myland battling for the starting job. Smith has been impressive during exhibition action thus far with a 0.932 save percentage. Myland has been more inconsistent, but has improved with every start.

"Wins and losses will tell the tale," Lamb said.

"You're not going to win a lot of games if you don't have a 0.900 save percentage."

He is willing to investigate alternatives if neither goaltender can provide them with an opportunity to win every night.

Lamb is now off to a meeting with other WHL executives on the league's seven point plan to deal with head injuries.

The WHL Seven Point Plan is a comprehensive approach to addressing this important matter and includes the adoption of new playing rules; more severe suspensions for repeat offenders; production of an educational video on risks of concussions to educate the players to be more responsible for themselves on the ice; a seminar for all WHL Head Coaches and General Managers; new soft cap elbow and shoulder pads; expanded research data and a review of all WHL arena facilities safety standards.

The WHL Playing Rule changes includes the adoption of a Checking to the Head penalty for lateral and blind side hits to an unsuspecting opponent in open ice where the head is targeted or is the principle point of contact.  The WHL also tightened the standard on late hits as well as charging and interference penalties to address players building up significant speed and hitting the opponent along the boards with excessive force.  The WHL also adopted a new embellishment rule and introduced automatic suspensions for players who receive multiple penalties for checking to the head, checking from behind, embellishment and kneeing.

Swift Current's next action is Friday in Prince Albert. They will conclude pre-season play with a game against the Raiders in Shaunavon on Saturday. We will have the broadcast of Saturday's game on The Eagle 94.1 FM and CJSN in Shaunavon.

Lamb talks Soberg and goaltending situation:


(With files from WHL.ca)