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BLOG: For Samuelsson, Hockey is a Family Affair

Oct. 30, 2015

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By Jack Milewski, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. ââ'¬" Every sport has had their share of bloodlines that have entered and exited their respective ranks. In no sport is the family tradition deeper than in the sport of hockey. Whether you are talking about the Sutter's, Howe's or Hull's, hockey boasts a lucrative history of families who have graced the sport with skill for years on end. The Penn State women's hockey team is mixed into this discussion now thanks to one of the team's freshman standouts, Victoria Samuelsson.

Samuelsson was born in Falun, Sweden, in 1996. From birth, Samuelsson was already part of a hockey family. Her father, Ulf, played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He is now currently the assistant coach of the New York Rangers. Samuelsson also has three brothers, Philip, Henrik and Adam. All three, like Victoria, have excelled in their respective ranks of hockey. Philip, the oldest was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins and is currently playing in Wilkes-Barre Scranton. Henrik was taken 27th overall in the 2012 draft by the Phoenix Coyotes and is currently playing for the Portland Pirates. Adam is still only 15, but is also a standout hockey player.

Growing up in a family that is as supremely talented as the Samuelsson's did nothing but aid Victoria in her hockey career. She said that since a young age she would do everything hockey related with her brothers. "I always used to play hockey with all of my brothers and they were really the ones who led me into hockey," said Samuelsson. "They have helped me all the way and helped me become the player I am now. We train together over the summers and there is a lot of friendly competition."

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