Knoester adjusting to hockey life in North America with Canes

By Lethbridge Herald on November 9, 2023.

Herald photo by JUSTIn Seward Lethbridge Hurricanes’ Elias Knoester attempts a centering pass in front of the Portland WInterhawks net while being checked by Luke Schelter during recent Western Hockey League action at the Enmax Centre.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Elias Knoester is getting his feet wet in North American hockey this season after being selected 42nd overall in this year’s CHL Import Draft.

The Swedish forward comes to the Canes after playing for the Malmo Redhawks at the U16, J18 Region and J20 Nationell levels in his country between 2020 and 2023.

It was prior to that, that he played in the Olofstroms Division 1 system.

“It’s been fun,” said Knoester.

“A bit different games, (it) goes faster, and a lot of fans in the games.”

It was while playing in Malmo that prepared Knoester for his North American debut with the physical game.

“I don’t know, it goes much faster here because the rink is smaller,” said Knoester.

“So (I) kind of need to figure that out.”

Knoester is working on playing faster, playing the puck quicker and be physical.

The Olofstrom product said guys are bigger, stronger and you have not the same time to make the plays.

Knoester says it’s not a big difference, when asked about settling into Canada.

“We have a lot of fans, it’s fun to live here,” he said.

“I want to be an unfancy player that help (s) to score and help to make good plays,” said Knoester.

He spoke about what hockey was like in Sweden.

“Hockey was not as big as it is here,” said Knoester.

“But it’s big there too and yeah a lot of games too.”

Knoester looked up to Sidney Crosby and current Detroit Red Wings and Swedish born player  Lucas Raymond growing up.

Knoester has two goals and five assists in 17 games so far this season with the Canes.

The Canes will look to snap a four-game home losing streak tonight when they host the Wenatchee Wild.