Sam Ersson got the call last week letting him know that he would be added to Team Sweden’s roster ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off. He will replace New Jersey Devils’ goalie Jacob Markstrom, who will be out for over a month due to a sprained MCL in his knee in late January.
Ersson had a busy two years, becoming the starting goalie for the Philadelphia Flyers and now being able to represent his country in the 4 Nations Face-Off. I spoke with Ersson shortly after he received the big news. Needless to say, he is very proud of his accomplishments thus far.
Q: What were your initial thoughts when you got the call that you would replace Markstrom’s spot in the 4 Nations Face-off?
Sam Ersson: “It is a huge honor. You get to represent your country. It’s also in the best of the best tournament that’s just something you dream of. I’m very proud to get that opportunity.”
Q: Did you have an idea that you would get the call?
Sam Ersson: “Yes, I knew a little bit with Markstrom going out with the news that he was going to miss a long period of time. That’s when I knew I was going to get a chance.”
Q: Do you have any family or friends coming to see you play?
Sam Ersson: “My girlfriend is coming with me. We were going to go on vacation. We had it planned prior, but it’s great that she can come with me to this instead. It’s too far for my other family to get there.”
Q: Is there anyone on Team Sweden You’re excited to play with?
Ersson: “There’s such great players, right? I like seeing the other goalies (Filip Gustavsson. Linus Ullmark), and it’s a great experience because you can pick their brains a little bit. I would like to see how they go over situations.”
Q: “You will be facing Team Canada first. What are your thoughts on Jordan Binnington?”
Sam Ersson: “He’s an outstanding goalie. Won the Stanley Cup. There are only good goalies in that tournament. When you play, you always want to go against the tough guys. So it’s cool to see all the goalies that are there.”
You can watch Sam Ersson compete in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament starting next week:
Canada vs. Sweden, 8 p.m. ET; MAX, truTV, TNT, SN, TVAS
United States vs. Finland, 8 p.m. ET; ESPN, ESPN+, SN, TVAS
Finland vs. Sweden, 1 p.m. ET; ABC, ESPN+, SN, TVAS
United States vs. Canada, 8 p.m. ET; ABC, ESPN+, SN, TVAS
Canada vs. Finland, 1 p.m. ET; MAX, truTV, TNT, SN, TVAS
Sweden vs. United States, 8 p.m. ET; MAX, truTV, TNT, SN, TVAS
Championship game, 8 p.m. ET; ESPN, ESPN+, SN, TVAS
Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
