Already at the age of seven, Malte Pihlström began playing hockey alongside several other sports. In his early teens, however, he decided to focus on hockey. Today, he is the captain of Färjestad BK’s U20 team, with his sights set on earning a place on the club’s senior team. Alongside his elite sports career, he studies at Karlstad University and is enrolled in the Elite Sports University program.
Malte Pihlström was born and raised in Karlskoga, a town with a strong hockey tradition and a team competing in Sweden’s second-highest league, HockeyAllsvenskan.
“I played many different sports when I was younger, including football, floorball, golf, and American football. And then there was hockey. As people from Karlskoga, my parents were interested in the sport, even though neither of them competed at a high level. Influenced by the town’s hockey culture, a large group of friends my age started playing when we were six or seven years old. We have stuck together ever since. We trained a lot and had a great time together. You can still see that today, as many of us continue to play at a high level.”
When did you decide to fully commit to hockey?
“When I was about 12 or 13, I chose to give up football in order to focus on hockey. Later, when I was accepted into Färjestad’s hockey academy, the commitment became more formal. I studied the Business and Economics Programme with a specialization in law at Karlstad Fria Läroverk.”
Today you are the captain of Färjestad’s U20 team. Do you see yourself as a leader?
“I try to be someone that others can come to if they need to talk. I also try to lead by example by always doing my best.”
You have trained with Färjestad’s senior team this autumn. What has that been like?
“It has been very educational and demanding. The players are big, strong, and highly skilled. They live in a results-driven environment where you have to perform every day. It is important to stay humble and make the most of the opportunity.”
Is your goal to play for Färjestad’s senior team?
“Yes, that has been my dream since I was a child. Time will tell what path leads me there, but my goal has always been to play for Färjestad’s senior team.”
You are also studying a Foundation Year in Engineering at Karlstad University and have been admitted to the Elite Sports University program. How did you decide to start studying?
“At Karlstad Fria Läroverk, there was a coordinator responsible for the Nationally Approved Sports Education programme (NIU). Through him, we received information about the opportunity to combine elite sports with higher education after graduation. I enjoy studying, so it suited me very well.”
Have you always been interested in technology and engineering?
“Yes, especially mathematics and physics. Since I studied the Business and Economics Programme in upper secondary school, the Foundation Year in Engineering is a good way for me to complete those subjects.”
Could you see yourself becoming an engineer in the future?
“Absolutely. A hockey career can end quickly, so it is important to have a plan alongside it. My father is a civil engineer and has been a great source of inspiration. Some form of engineering education definitely interests me.”
What lessons from hockey will you bring into your future working life?
“Above all, teamwork. You learn that everyone contributes in different ways and that the group has to function together. I believe that is valuable regardless of your profession.”
