Loui Eriksson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loui Eriksson |
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Eriksson with the Boston Bruins in January 2016
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| Born | 17 July 1985 Gothenburg, Sweden |
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| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | ||
| Weight | 179 lb (81 kg; 12 st 11 lb) | ||
| Position | Right wing | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Frölunda HC Dallas Stars HC Davos Boston Bruins Vancouver Canucks Arizona Coyotes |
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| National team |  Sweden |
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| NHL Draft | 33rd overall, 2003 Dallas Stars |
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| Playing career | 2003–2023 | ||
Loui William Eriksson (born 17 July 1985) is a Swedish former professional ice hockey forward. He was chosen by the Dallas Stars in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Eriksson also played for other teams like the Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, and Arizona Coyotes in the National Hockey League (NHL).
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Playing Career Highlights
Loui Eriksson started playing hockey at a young age for Lerums BK in Sweden. He was so good that by age 11, he was already playing with older players. His talent led him to join the junior team for Frölunda HC.
Eriksson began his professional career in Sweden's top league, the Elitserien, with Frölunda. In 2004, at just 18 years old, he won the Rookie of the Year award. The next year, he helped Frölunda win the Swedish ice hockey championship, called SM-guld.
Time with the Dallas Stars (2006–2013)
The Dallas Stars picked Eriksson in the second round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. After playing two seasons in Sweden, he moved to North America. He made his professional debut in North America in 2005 with the Iowa Stars, a team linked to the Dallas Stars.
Eriksson scored his first NHL goal on October 4, 2006, in his very first game with the Dallas Stars. In the 2008–09 season, he had a fantastic year, leading the Stars with 36 goals. He was one of only three Stars players to play in all 82 games that season.
In 2009, the Stars recognized his importance and signed him to a six-year contract. Eriksson also played in his first NHL All-Star Game in 2011. He had a great game, scoring a goal and two assists, and even the game-winning empty-net goal.
Playing for the Boston Bruins (2013–2016)
On July 4, 2013, Eriksson was traded to the Boston Bruins. His first season in Boston was tough because of injuries. He suffered two concussions from hits by other players. Despite this, he still managed to score 10 goals and 27 assists in 61 games. He also found good chemistry playing with fellow Swedish player Carl Söderberg.
During the 2015–16 season, Eriksson scored his 200th NHL goal on February 13, 2016. This goal helped the Bruins win a game against the Minnesota Wild.
Years with the Vancouver Canucks (2016–2021)
On July 1, 2016, Eriksson signed a six-year deal with the Vancouver Canucks. He had played well with the famous Sedin twins, Henrik and Daniel Sedin, in international games before. In his first game with the Canucks, he accidentally scored an own goal. This happened when he tried to clear the puck into his own zone, but it went into his team's empty net instead. Even so, the Canucks won the game, and Eriksson got an assist on the game-tying goal.
Unfortunately, Eriksson had a tough first season with the Canucks, ending with 11 goals and 13 assists in 65 games. He also suffered a season-ending knee injury in March 2017. His next season was also affected by injuries, and he scored 23 points in 50 games. In the 2018-19 season, he stayed healthy but only scored 29 points in 81 games. On February 10, 2021, Eriksson was placed on waivers, meaning other teams could claim him.
Time with the Arizona Coyotes (2021–2022)
On July 23, 2021, Eriksson was traded to the Arizona Coyotes. On December 6, 2021, he played his 1000th NHL game. This was a big milestone in his career, even though his team lost to his former team, the Dallas Stars.
Return to Frölunda and Retirement
After his time in the NHL, Eriksson returned to his first professional team, Frölunda HC, in Sweden. He re-signed with them on November 10, 2022, after 17 years playing in North America.
Loui Eriksson announced his retirement from professional hockey on February 10, 2025, after a 22-year career. He shared this news in a statement on Instagram.
Achievements and Awards
- Won SHL Rookie of the Year in 2003–04
- Won the SHL championship in 2005
- Named RBK AHL Rookie of the Month for March 2006
- Voted the Iowa Stars' Rookie of the Year for the 2005–06 season
- Played in the 2011 NHL All-Star Game
- Was a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy in 2012-2013 and 2015–2016 (an award for sportsmanship and high playing standards)
International Play
Loui Eriksson also proudly represented his home country, Sweden, in many international hockey tournaments.
| Medal record | ||
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Representing  Sweden |
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| Ice hockey | ||
| Winter Olympics | ||
| Silver | 2014 Sochi | |
| World Championships | ||
| Gold | 2013 Sweden/Finland | |
| Silver | 2011 Slovakia | |
| Bronze | 2009 Switzerland | |
