Although Philip Svedeback was viewed as somewhat of an unheralded prospect when the Boston Bruins selected him 117th in the 2021 NHL Draft, behind the scenes there was a recruiting war being waged for the talented Swedish goaltender. It now appears that Providence College has emerged victorious. The Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL, who themselves are just getting accustomed to Svedeback’s strong play in net, have announced that the netminder has committed to join the Friars. Svedeback is expected to make his way to Providence next season.
Svedeback, who is advised by former NHLer Michael Nylander, stated in the release that he has been talking to PC for some time and enjoyed a recent campus visit. Head coach Nate Leaman leads a well-regarded staff and a strong program that has been a perennial contender for some time, so it is no surprise that Providence emerged as the front-runner. Svedeback also noted that the proximity to Boston also made a difference in his college decision. While Svedeback had drawn interest from a number of schools, including some Boston area programs, he is now set up in Providence for the long haul. Whenever Svedeback wraps up his time with the Friars, there is at least a good chance that his next stop will be across town to the AHL’s Providence Bruins.
At 6’4″ and nearly 200 pounds, Svedeback is a big, technical goaltender who has already shown that composure is one of his top traits. Playing for a defensively weak Vaxjo Lakers junior team in Sweden the past few years, Svedeback has still put up strong numbers despite facing considerable pressure. His transition to the USHL, his first time playing in North America, has also been seamless thus far. Svedeback is 1-0-1 in his first two starts for Dubuque, recording a .942 save percentage and 1.99 GAA. If he continues to perform like that this season, both the Providence College Friars and the Boston Bruins will be excited for the future.