Get to Know Theo Wallberg
4/30/2024 11:45:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Blueliner hails from Stockholm, Sweden
Growing up in Stockholm, Sweden, Buckeye sophomore defenseman Theo Wallberg's path to Ohio State was different than his American and Canadian teammates'. He started to play hockey around age 4 when his father, who played hockey recreationally, wanted his son to try the game. Wallberg found his own love for the sport quickly afterwards and never looked back.
His favorite NHL team growing up was the Chicago Blackhawks. Wallberg enjoyed watching the team win three Stanley Cups during his childhood and admired Patrick Kane's puck-handling skills. He modeled his game and looked up to Swedish players in the NHL as well, including Erik Karlsson and Victor Hedman.
Wallberg played in Västerås, Sweden, for Västerås U18 in the J18 Elit league and U20 in the J20 Superelit league for two years, switching back and forth between the two teams. After his time playing for Västerås, Wallberg moved to Skellefteå, another town in Sweden to continue playing in the J20 Superelit league for Skellefteå U20. Wallberg then made a big move and came to the United States to play in the USHL. He went to Dubuque, Iowa for one year and played for the Fighting Saints before coming to Ohio State.
When he was young, Wallberg's father would tell him stories about his friend's experience playing hockey at Ohio State, turning Wallberg into an Ohio State fan from a very young age. He fell in love with the school even more when he visited and said, "I felt like it was the right fit for me, hockey and academics wise."
Wallberg is currently majoring in economics. He explained it is difficult at times to balance his schoolwork with hockey, but likes having something else to think about and spend time on other than hockey.
Wallberg shared that he is still adjusting to life in America and the main thing he wants to improve is his skills playing American football. During the off-season he enjoys trying new restaurants and being outside as much as possible while it is warm. He also likes to play video games during his down time.
Before games, Wallberg sometimes will repeat his pregame routine if a prior game goes well but he is not overly superstitious. He currently wears number 44 and shared he used to wear 22 and decided to double it for college since 22 is retired at Ohio State.
From Sweden to Ohio, Wallberg had always had hockey with him. Growing up with Ohio State as his goal led him to hard work to get where he is now. He is extremely excited for the rest of his time at Ohio State, following in his father's footsteps.
