Thorbjörn Gunnarson hits the J
Stick and Puck Magazine
March 2020 Edition
Written by "Jumbo" Richard Grossman

Thorbjörn Gunnarson, Norwegian right wing prospect and captain of the Oregon Ducks division 2 hockey team has entered the SMJHL free agent pool following the conclusion of the ACHA hockey season. The Ducks led by Gunnarson concluded the season with a 13-0-1 record within the PAC-8 conference and an overall record of 24-3-1. Gunnarson had a very impressive freshman campaign where he potted 32 goals and 25 helpers - good for 57 points; second most on the team. Gunnarson's flashy stick handling skills and his ability to cut through multiple opposing players with flashy dekes has caught the attention of hockey scouts and fans on social media. A particular play wherein Gunnarson went through the legs of an opposing defender before going top shelf on the goalie got some viral attention earlier this month.

However, there are some doubters that say Gunnarson is only performing to this level because of the lower level of competition. Being in division 2 he can be seen as a big fish in a small pond at times, and detractors question his decision to go to Oregon instead of to a higher quality program where he would face a tougher challenge. Thorbjörn maintains that the decision was purely one of personnel - his childhood friend Alexi Prosporov, whom Gunnarson met while playing in Norway, had already played for Oregon for two seasons before Thorbjörn's arrival. 

While most players coming into the SMJHL declared for the draft weeks ago, Gunnarson's Oregon Ducks were deep into the PAC-8 playoffs and as the draft was happening and his peers were being selected by various teams to begin their amateur careers he was helping his team overcome Boise State to secure the PAC-8 title for the second year in a row. Following the win and the team celebration Thorbjörn phoned his agent to declare for the draft, but it was too late. Gunnarson was entered into the free agent pool and after fielding offers from a few interested suitors decided to sign with the Alaska based Anchorage Armada.

Anchorage had some success with Norwegian prospects in the past - most recently players like Peter Larson and Jonas Larsen, so Thorbjörn was confident he could find a welcoming home there. Anchorage boosted a strong veteran core and had a good showing during the draft, and Gunnarson looks to add his unique and flashy skill set to the team and help them be a contender for seasons to come.