Oliver Wahlstrom’s hockey journey comes full circle with Bruins 

Oliver Wahlstrom is not any stranger to the TD Backyard ice.

It was on that frozen sheet that the expert ahead first put himself on the map by way of a gravity-defying, viral shootout transfer.

Wahlstrom became a hockey sensation in a single day in 2009, with the nine-year-old ahead touchdown on SportsCenter after scoring an absurd tally throughout a Mini 1-on-1 competitors on Causeway Road.

Wahlstrom, who hails from Yarmouth, Maine, and skated on the Portland Jr. Pirates throughout that event, knew that clip would make the rounds after the Bruins claimed him off waivers Saturday afternoon.

“Yeah, I knew that one would come again up,” Wahlstrom instructed reporters Monday afternoon in Calgary. “I imply, I at all times appreciated to have enjoyable once I was a bit of and it’s simply humorous how that transfer labored out. And I assume it’s with me perpetually now. So it’s cool to see.” 

The Bruins aren’t anticipating those self same dangles and trick strikes from Wahlstrom after plucking him off waivers from the Islanders.

However Wahlstrom’s blistering shot and playmaking ability made him an interesting addition for a Bruins staff that has struggled to search out twine all season lengthy. 

“He’s an incredible shooter … a really harmful shot — nearly like a giant Pasta, the best way he can shoot a puck,” Bruins captain Brad Marchand stated of Wahlstrom after Boston’s 5-1 win over Vancouver Saturday. 

Wahlstrom, who grew up a Bruins fan in New England, was shocked by Marchand’s comparability.

“I didn’t hear about that,” Wahlstrom stated of being in comparison with Pastrnak. “However that’s outrageous. I imply, Pasta is Pasta. However clearly, the shot’s there, however I’ve been engaged on a number of different issues in my recreation that possibly assist get to these areas, too.” 

Wahlstrom’s evident abilities within the offensive zone made him a standout prospect at each the U.S. Nationwide Group Improvement Program and Boston Faculty, with the winger chosen by the Islanders within the first spherical (No. 11) of the 2018 NHL Draft.

To this point, that potential hasn’t resulted in manufacturing within the NHL ranks.

Wahlstrom has lit the lamp 36 occasions and posted 71 complete factors over 220 video games with the Islanders earlier than touchdown with Boston. He scored two objectives and two assists over 27 video games this yr earlier than being positioned on waivers. 

Though the 24-year-old Wahlstrom hasn’t put all of it collectively at hockey’s highest stage, his offensive potential made him a worthwhile gamble for the Bruins. He primarily skated on the third line subsequent to Charlie Coyle throughout Monday’s follow in Calgary. 

“Get again to my recreation,” Wahlstrom stated of his priorities with Boston. “And, I’m actually excited to work with these guys and develop as a Bruin. I really feel my recreation can possibly contribute a bit of bit right here. And attempt to discover my offensive aptitude once more and hold taking part in that means.”

Wahlstrom — who has additionally lived in each Quincy and Portland — stated he first developed his high-end skillset whereas skating on loads of obtainable ice in Maine.  

“My dad [Joakim] labored at a rink in Saco, Maine, there for a few years, and I used to be lucky to get a number of ice and had a number of buddies skate with me. And we simply had enjoyable messing round and making an attempt issues, and I assume that’s what occurred,” Wahlstrom stated.

Given his ties to the area, Wahlstrom admitted it was a shock to get a name from Marchand after he spent his childhood cheering for the pugnacious Bruins winger. 

“Marsh known as me the opposite day and that was fairly cool,” Wahlstrom stated. “I grew up watching him play within the 2011 Stanley Cup, and I do know Pasta too … I actually don’t know if it’s sunk in but. It’s a dream come true to be again residence the place my household and associates dwell.”

It stays to be seen what kind of ceiling Wahlstrom can attain after getting a much-needed change in surroundings with Boston. 

However Wahlstrom believes that taking part in for his hometown staff may present the spark he must get his profession again on monitor. 

“It took me some time to get used to the brand new tools. The brand new spoked-B,” Wahlstrom stated. “I feel that hit me fairly exhausting once I was simply placing on my [jersey]. I feel that was a reasonably cool second to put on the Boston Bruins brand.”

 

Conor Ryan is a employees author masking the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Purple Sox for Boston.com, a job he has held since 2023.