Melvin Fernstrom is a 6’2” 187-pound goal scorer. He was one of the top scorers in J20 this season and he could go somewhere in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft. One of his gifts is knowing where the puck is going to be and getting there to knock the puck into the back of the net.  

“I don’t know exactly but I think it was at the top of the league. It was a pretty good season,” Fernstrom declared. “I see where the puck will go, and I think it’s always a good chance when you get the puck near the net. It’s always a high risk to score when you’re there. I try to go to the areas where the puck will come.” 

Fernstrom has a wicked wrist shot. It was on full display at the Five Nations and it’s something that he continues to work on. To perfect. He knows about shooting angles and what it takes to be a goal scorer. 

“I would say it’s my most effective shot,” Fernstrom remarked. “I practice it a lot on the shooting ramp. This is at a local rink. I live two minutes from the rink.” 

He’s played center and right wing but let’s see where he sees himself. 

“I like to play right wing. That’s my go-to and where I’ve played most of my time this year,” said Fernstrom. “I like the shot angle when I come into the offensive zone. I think I have a better shot on the right side. I think it’s easier to control the breakouts. It’s easier to handle the defense.” 

Players talk about their two-way game and Fernstrom is on top of it. He got into pretty good detail about what he tries to do on the ice. 

“I try to have more prowess in the D-zone. Do good work there and make it easier for my team and myself,” Fernstrom stated. “Get out of the defensive zone and make offensive plays.” 

Taking loose pucks the other way is something that can be a momentum changer. That isn’t lost on the young Swede. 

“During the summer I mostly work on the strength in my legs and explosiveness. This mostly for my three first steps on the rush,” Fernstrom divulged. “I like to be more explosive from the start.” 

Fernstrom started playing the game of hockey at a young age and his dream, like most, was to get drafted in the NHL. 

“I think when I started playing hockey. It was always my dream. I started skating at 4-5 years old,” Fernstrom mentioned.  

Most likely, Fernstrom goes on Day 2. He gets that and is fine with that. He’s hoping to play in the SHL and the team that gets him is going to be very happy as well.