Pulling on Bruins sweater a dream come true for Oliver Wahlstrom
EDMONTON, Alberta — Oliver Wahlstrom lived out one of his childhood dreams Thursday night when he pulled on a Bruins sweater for the first time as the club wrapped up its five-game Western swing against the Oilers at Rogers Place.
Wahlstrom, who was claimed off waivers from the Islanders Saturday, wore No. 71 and played right wing on Charlie Coyle’s line with Trent Frederic on the left side.
“I’m very excited,” Wahlstrom, a native New Englander, said following the club’s brief morning skate. “It’s a dream to play for the Bruins and it was nice to get to know these guys getting here, so I’m super excited for sure.”
Wahlstrom said he won’t be altering his game — which features a big shot — for his new team.
“I think for sure just to keep things simple early on because I’m going to be pretty amped up and playing with some pretty skilled players and some new guys,” he said. “So, I think keep the first couple games simple and then when I do that, things will open up for sure.”
Wahlstrom was also set to man the elbow on the second power-play unit. He worked there during the morning skate and looked comfortable.
Though he’s had little practice time to build any chemistry, Wahlstrom has kept the lines of communication open.
“I had a couple of talks with Charlie on the power play and things like that,” Wahlstrom said. “So, I think I’ll lean on him a lot, ask a lot of questions and I kind of know him from when I worked out in Boston when I was little. He’s a really fun player. He holds onto the puck, and he makes plays. So, I think for me, just move my legs and try to find those open areas and engage my body.”
