We are excited to have our ‘Swede’ back again to Briercrest and a part of the hockey program this season.  

Joachim Hånberg is in his second year of the Business program.   His life, like many others, has been quite a journey.   With his dad being a professional coach it meant lots of transition which wasn’t always easy.  Among other things he has also faced the challenge of living life as an elite athlete with diabetes.  

His journey towards ending up at Briercrest started three years ago when he felt the Lord leading him to come to Canada to give time to serving with Hockey Ministries International alongside a former Briercrest hockey alumni, Jamie Ramer.   During that year he got excited about the opportunity to come to Briercrest for school and be a part of the hockey program.  

Of his experience so far Joachim says it has been special.

“It has been special to be able to play with a team that serves the Lord and to help each other in their journeys,” Joachim said. “Praying on the ice after every practice is something that I value.”

He has a few favorite moments so far including the home opener last year, scoring his first ACAC goal and playing crazy 8’s with Lafond and Seidel.

Joachim adds lots of experience and ‘grandpa’ wisdom to the hockey club.  His other assets include laughter and a caring heart. 

“I always want to make sure everyone around me is well and encouraged and that is what I hopefully can bring to the team as well,” he explained.

While hoping to complete his business degree and continue to improve in his English he hopes to one day lead his own business either in Canada or in Sweden.  His ‘DREAM’ would also be to one day get married and start a family.  It appears as if coming to Briercrest has helped him with that as well.  It is neat to see how Joachim continues to grow as a person, as a hockey player and even in how he responds and grows through the challenges we face in life.  It will be exciting to see how the next chapters of his life unfold.