Where Are They Now #3: Tommy Soderstrom

While my "Where Are They Now" posts get no love, I'll continue to post them because quite frankly, I enjoy doing them!

As a kid Tommy Soderstrom was one of my favourite goalies. I liked his style, his weird equipment and that he put no tape on his stick blade!

Early in his career he found great success in Sweden and in international competition, he was even compared to Pelle Lindburgh. The Flyers lured him to North America in 1992 and he responded with a career high five shutouts in 44 games with a weak Phili team.

For the rest of his NHL career he struggled with heart problems, going under the knife five times. All of those times he returned to his team trying to find the success he had in his rookie season.

Soderstrom departed the NHL in the 1996-97 season with his last appearance; 10 seconds of relief duty with the Islanders. After five seasons in the NHL he returned to his native Sweden playing three more seasons. He retired in the 99-00 season.

I recently wrote Soderstrom in Sweden and asked him a few questions, mainly if he still played anymore and what he was up to. Soderstrom has not strapped on the pads since his retirement 10 years a goal, he gave up goaltending in 2000. Heis now the General Manager of a hockey team in Sweden, although he did not specify which one.

If anyone would like to write Tommy I will post his address below. He is a great signer and will respond quickly.

Tommy SoderstromOxelvägen 41
13832 Älta
Sweden