William Samuelsson sits down to discuss his second season with the Gamblers, his selection by Dallas at the 2024 NHL Draft and what it's going to take to win a USHL title this year
Last season, the Green Bay Gamblers claimed the final playoff spot in the United States Hockey League’s Eastern Conference before falling in round one to the Madison Capitols. This year, the Gamblers find themselves second place in the East, posting a record of 33-17-3-2 through 55 games played, looking to break through when the playoffs begin.
Gamblers forward William Samuelsson is trying to make sure that the team finishes the year strong and brings a Clark Cup back to Green Bay for the fifth time in franchise history.
“It would mean a lot to win. We’ve been working towards it since last year's season ended, not the way we wanted it to,” Samuelsson said. “We love our group here, we’re working towards our goal, and I think we can do it. It would mean a lot.”
Through 55 games this season, the Swedish-born Samuelsson has recorded 12 goals and 13 assists. The 25 points are good for the eighth most points among all Gamblers skaters this year. After posting 22 points in 62 games last year, Samuelsson touched on what has helped lead to more success in year two with the Gamblers.
“I’ve got a lot of help for my teammates this season. I feel like I haven’t put too much focus on point totals, just been trying to play my own game and play to my strengths,” Samuelsson said during an interview. “Everyone has their role on the team, and I’ve just been trying to find mine. I think I’ve been able to find it a little better than last year.”
Prior to coming over to the USHL and joining Green Bay, Samuelsson played back home in Sweden with Sodertalje SK Jr. of the Swedish Junior League. Samuelsson spoke on the differences he's experienced in the styles of play between the European and North American game.
“I’d say the game is a little bit quicker here, whereas in Sweden it revolves a bit more around puck possession. The rink is bigger in Sweden, whereas here it’s smaller,” Samuelsson said. “Everything is quicker, and I need to make faster decisions, so I’ve been working on that a lot. My skating has continued to get better to keep up with the faster play.”
Samuelsson has taken on a leadership role during his second campaign in Green Bay, wearing an “A” on his jersey, which the 20-year-old has taken with great honor.
“It obviously means a lot, especially with all of the history here in Green Bay,” Samuelsson said. “I love my teammates, and hopefully they could say the same about me.”
During the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, all of Samuelsson’s hard work was rewarded, getting selected by the Dallas Stars in the seventh round, in what was a moment that Samuelsson will never forget.
“It was unbelievable. Dallas is such a great organization, so I was just really excited to hear my name called,” Samuelsson said. “I had a couple meetings with Dallas before the draft, and I thought the meetings went well. It worked out really well in the end.”
If Samuelsson can appear in a NHL game, he would join his father Mikael Samuelsson, who skated in 699 career games across six organizations, including the San Jose Sharks, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks. Samuelsson won a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings during the 2007-08 season, picking up 13 points in 22 playoff games. Samuelsson touched on what it would mean to follow in his father’s footsteps and play in the NHL.
“It would mean so much, and I’ve had this dream my whole life. Being around the NHL environment growing up, it would be so much if I could get there. I’ve been striving my whole career for it,” Samuelsson said. “My dad’s been a lot of help. He gives me so much advice and is trying to pass on everything he’s been through to help me.”
With seven games remaining on the Gamblers’ schedule, Samuelsson believes that this group has the capability to get hot at the right time and go on a long playoff run.
“We just need to keep playing our game. We are a very strong team, and we know what we can do. If we focus on our game, we will be fine,” Samuelsson said. “Everyone has bought in on our plan and is ready for any situation.”
The Gamblers return to action Friday, March 20, when they travel to Dubuque to take on the Fighting Saints. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. CST.