Sweden’s Tilia Lindgren uses brother as motivation to succeed at IIHF U18 Women’s World Hockey Championship in Cape Breton

It’s not unusual for siblings to rely on each other in time of need, but for Tilia Lindgren she knows her brother is only a phone call away when it comes to her hockey career.

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The Swedish forward grew up playing the sport with her older brother Zeb on outdoor rinks in their hometown of Umeå, where she found her passion and desire to be a hockey player.

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“He’s really helped me with my game and just being on the rink with him has made me a better player too,” said Lindgren. “He’s better than me, so I can learn from him and get better from him and that’s what I think I’ve been doing.”

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This week, the 15-year-old is wearing her nations colours on the international stage for the first time, suiting up for Sweden at the IIHF U18 Women’s World Hockey Championship in Membertou and Sydney.

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Lindgren recognized her brother as part of her motivation for making it this far in her career.

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“I can always call him for tips, and I know he will be there to help,” said Lindgren. “I think it’s good to have someone like him. He’s experienced the things that maybe I’m going to experience in the future.”

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Along with giving his sister advice to improve her game, Zeb Lindgren has experience when it comes to the professional ranks as well.

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The 18-year-old defenceman was a fifth-round draft pick of the New York Rangers last year. He’s currently unsigned by the NHL club and is playing with Skellefteå AIK in an under-20 league in Sweden. He’s the club’s captain.

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“He knows how things work and what he has to do to be the best player he can be,” said Tilia. “He’s always working hard and trying to get where he wants to be in his career and that has been motivating for me.”

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FAMILY TRADITION
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Hockey has always been in the Lindgren family. In fact, her father Ted played professional hockey in Sweden, spending time at both the Division 1 and Division 2 levels from 1998 to 2010.

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When she’s not representing Sweden, Tilia Lindgren plays with IF Björklöven under-16 where she has two goals and 10 points in 10 games.