Notebook: Red Wings prospect Albert Johansson wins SHL championship

Detroit Red Wings prospect Albert Johansson wrapped up his 2021-22 Swedish Hockey League season as a champion.

The 21-year-old defenseman and his Färjestad BK club beat Luleå, 3-0, in Game 7 of the SHL Playoffs final last Thursday, securing the 10th championship in franchise history.
"I'm really proud of the guys in there and what we've done this season,"
Johansson told SportExpressen last Friday
. "What a journey."
Johansson, Detroit's 60th pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, had five goals and 20 assists in 52 regular-season games this season, and he added eight points in 19 playoff games.

After ascending through Färjestad's system the past eight seasons, Johansson wants to prove he belongs on North American ice.
"Of course, my goal is to break into the NHL one day," Johansson said. "But if you end up in the AHL, I don't think I'll go home for that. I want to give it an honest chance and be over there, learn the culture and life over there."
Johansson
signed a three-year entry-level contract with Detroit on June 5, 2020
.

Andreasson signs one-year contract with Red Wings

Another Red Wings prospect hoping to establish himself in the NHL is Luleå winger Pontus Andreasson, who
signed a one-year contract with Detroit on Monday.
Andreasson tied for first among SHL rookies in assists (20) and ranked second in goals (18), points (38), power-play goals (5) and power-play points (13) this season. The 23-year-old also had 13 points in 13 playoff games.
The SHL announced Monday that Andreasson and fellow Red Wings prospect Simon Edvinsson of Frölunda HC finished second and third, respectively, behind Skellefteå's Linus Karlsson for the SHL's Rookie of the Year.

Kyle Criscuolo honored as Griffins' Person of the Year

Last Thursday, the Grand Rapids Griffins announced Kyle Criscuolo was named the team's recipient of the IOA/American Specialty American Hockey League Person of the Year award for his contributions to the Grand Rapids community during the 2021-22 season.

Among his notable contributions, Criscuolo purchased four 2021-22 Griffins season tickets for donation to patients and their families of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, a non-profit, independent rehabilitation hospital system that provides specialized medical programs and services.
The 30-year-old was also part of the Griffins' moustache battle during "Movember" to help raise funds and awareness for men's health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.