After long NHL career, Alexander Steen chasing world junior success as Sweden’s assistant coach

Sweden’s biggest star in the World Junior Championship isn’t playing for the team. He’s helping coach them instead.

Alexander Steen was already in an assistant coach role last year, but then from a distance. Now, the former Stanley Cup winner is closer to the team and is present in Gothenburg during the tournament.

Steen, also the sports director of Sundsvall Hockey in HockeyEttan and has a role with the St. Louis Blues, is one of the coaches handling Sweden’s practices during the WJC. He also watches the games from the stands and has a dialogue with the coaches on the bench.

“I sit all the way up in the arena,” Steen explains. “Sometimes, I can provide input around specific situations. Sometimes it might be something else that I feel could help, like a reminder or something. Sometimes, they ask me for my input, too. It’s mostly about having a dialogue during the periods.”

But how did the longtime NHLer get to where he is now?

“We’ve had a discussion about it. I was involved last year, but from home, and then it was mostly discussions with the leaders,” Steen said. “But when we discussed this season, I felt that you get a different pulse and a different ‘tempo’ when you are on site. So it feels great to be involved as I am now.”

What’s it like to be on the ice during morning training sessions like these?

“It’s fun! It’s enjoyable to be around a team again. This is a wonderful group of players and leaders, and everyone is cooperative and has a good attitude. It’s very inspiring and fun.”

Have you developed a taste for being on the ice and leading training sessions?

“It’s not so different from playing, really. I just don’t have to think as much about what I eat, that’s all. So, it’s nothing strange,” Steen says with a smile. “I’ve been around teams since I was four years old, and it’s so wonderful. I love this sport. The team unity and everything, it’s so incredibly fun.”

You have roles in Sundsvall, St. Louis, and with the Swedish U-20 team. What are your ambitions with your leadership career?

“I… I don’t think too much about it. I have had discussions about various exciting assignments that I felt ‘that would be fun’ to do. It’s more along those lines than thinking I want to do something specific.”

Did you have such thoughts during your playing career?

“No. During my career, I was just focused on that. I wanted to play as long as possible.”

In addition to winning the 2019 Stanley Cup with St. Louis, Steen also represented Sweden at the 2003 and 2004 World Junior Championships, scoring nine goals in 12 games.

“Mostly, I remember how much fun I thought it was,” Steen said. “It is a unique experience to celebrate Christmas together with your teammates. To leave a week before Christmas and prepare for this tournament.”

You have been in North America during the years when the World Junior Championships just grew and grew. Are you surprised by the hype around the team?

“I know what an incredibly great hockey city Gothenburg is, so I understood there would be a wonderful atmosphere. I played here (in Frölunda) for many years and it’s a great hockey city. This interest and this atmosphere will only grow if I know this city right.”