Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Erik Gustafsson received his debutant pin in the best way possible — after a win.
Gustafsson was presented the pin for making his debut with the Swedish national team after a 2-1 victory over Latvia in the preliminary round of the 2016 World Championships on Friday. He is the 935th recipient of a Swedish debutant pin.
Gustafsson had no goals and 14 assists in 41 games in his first pro season in Chicago. The 6-foot, 176-pound blue liner added one assist in five playoff games. He had three goals and 11 assists in 27 games with the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL prior to his call up in December.
The Hawks signed him to an entry-level deal in April 2015 after he played two seasons with Frölunda of the Swedish Hockey League, where he tallied 29 points (four goals and 25 assists) in 55 games in his final season.