Markus Naslund

Markus Naslund, a Swedish retired hockey player, played in the National Hockey League for two decades. Naslund grew up in Sweden practicing on a neighborhood outdoor rink and aspiring to be just like other Swedish NHL players, including Hakan Loob. Naslund formed a strong childhood bond with future teammate Peter Forsberg, who went on to play Modo Hockey with him of the Swedish Hockey League. Going on to become the 16th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1991 NHL Draft, Naslund continued to play for the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Rangers throughout the remainder of his career. He was a left wing standing 6 feet tall and throughout his playing career, he also competed for Sweden in the Ice Hockey World Championships. In 1999 and 2002, Naslund won bronze medals after already having won three silver medals prior and a gold in the 1990 European Junior Championships. In 2002, both Naslund and Forsberg humbly founded Icebreakers in their home region of Vasternorrland, which is an organization that raises money for sick and disabled children. Naslund also went on to become general manager for Modo Hockey after retiring from the sport as a player.