Unique Overseas Opportunity for Axemen's Pettersson

WOLFVILLE, N.S. By Cameron Davidson - A 3^rd year forward for Axemen Hockey, the 6'1, 180 lbs. Daniel Pettersson of Etobicoke, Ont. has been given the opportunity that every young hockey player growing up in Canada dreams of; to be able to represent your country on the international stage. What's unique about Pettersson's opportunity though, is that rather than wearing the maple leaf, he'll be using his dual-citizenship to represent Sweden at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Winter Universiade, to be held in Almaty, Kazakhstan from January 28 to February 8 of this year.

The event will host competition in 12 different winter sports over the course of 12 days, and will play host to athletes sent from approximately 64 different nations university sport federations.

Born in Canada but a dual-citizen from birth, as his father is Canadian and mother is Swedish, Pettersson's experience playing overseas is what sparked the opportunity to play for Sweden in the Universiade.

Before arriving at Acadia, Pettersson spent several seasons playing professionally in Sweden, which qualified him to compete for the Swedes in the Universiade. The opportunity to play nationally for Sweden was not something Pettersson had really considered, until he was reached out to with the chance to play at the Universiade. "After a little research and information, I knew it would be an amazing opportunity," Pettersson said.

"It was always a dream growing up to represent Canada or Sweden. Growing up, I was a big Mats Sundin fan, being from Toronto," Pettersson says about the former Maple Leafs Swedish superstar. "I would always cheer for Sweden in International Competition."

"The opportunity to see new places and experience different cultures is what I enjoyed most about my professional hockey experiences prior to attending Acadia," Pettersson said, noting that experiencing the unique environment is one of the most exciting aspects about being able to compete in Kazakhstan.  Talking to some players who competed in the Universiade previously, Pettersson had the event described to him as somewhat of a "Mini-Olympics".

Prior to his arrival at Acadia, Pettersson was a member of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Moncton Wildcats, and was able to play professional hockey in Sweden. He credits some of his experiences in Europe with the reason he eventually chose to study and play at Acadia.

"In Europe, I always enjoyed playing in small towns, with great community support," Pettersson says, "which is what made Acadia such an easy choice for me." On the academic side of his decision, Pettersson had taken some online business courses with Acadia while he was playing junior hockey in Moncton, and knew that he would be able to finish his degree within three years. The 26-year-old is now a Marketing and Business Technology double major.

To sum up his career at Acadia so far, Pettersson said, "Time flies when you're having fun. It truly does, and it's crazy to think that these 3 years have flown by, but Acadia has given me the opportunity to grow as an individual and help prepare me for the next step in life."

About what makes him feel at home at Acadia, Pettersson said, "Just how friendly the people are within the community."

"Being a student-athlete, we are always in the community and the amount of people we get the chance to meet and build connections with are endless. Being from a big city, I would often find myself walking down streets with my head down or afraid to make eye contact with others. There's not a day in the Valley that goes by that someone doesn't say hello or ask me how my day's going. [There's] no friendlier place!"

With his final semester at Acadia having just begun, Pettersson took some time to reflect on his hockey career to this point. "Growing up, I had many people help me get to where I am today, both in hockey and life, so I have made it my passion to give back and help others."

"Giving back within minor hockey and watching the kids grow as individuals and hockey players is something that I've truly come to enjoy. In my last semester of school, it would be a dream-come-true to walk away with an AUS and National Championship."

Pettersson also has the chance to add a gold medal for Sweden on the international stage to his already impressive hockey career.

Source: Cameron Davidson 

Cameron is a third year football Axeman who is from Kentville, N.S.