Linkoping HC defenceman Daniel Rahimi has just finished perhaps his best season as a professional hockey player. He hopes his season isn't finished, however, as he eyes a spot on the Swedish national team at the IIHF World Championship.

by Krystof Kousal

UMEA, Sweden – As we approach the final days before the start of the IIHF World Championship, many players nervously await the announcements from their respective national teams, hoping to make the final cut. One player in that situation is Linkoping HC defenceman Daniel Rahimi, who is just coming off perhaps his best season as a pro.

The 27-year-old was steady on Linkoping's blueline all season and recorded a career-high 14 points (2 + 12), plus another three points in the playoffs as Linkoping made it to the semi-finals, where they fell to eventual champions Skelleftea AIK. He also played in all 10 of Linkoping's Champions Hockey League games, helping the team win Group F and advance to the quarter-finals, where they fell to the same Skelleftea squad.

Rahimi played in his first World Championship last season in Minsk, but the experience didn't last long as he was injured in Sweden's second game and was then sent home. He hopes this season, the experience will last longer. Along the way, he played in a pre-tournament exhibition game against the Czech Republic in his home town of Umea, playing in the rink he skated on with the Bjorkloven club until the age of 20, and got a warm ovation from the home crowd in the pre-game introductions. 

Daniel, it must have been special for you to play for the Swedish national team in your hometown.

Yeah, it certainly was a special day for me and it was a lot of fun to play in front of my home crowd. It was a good welcoming too, so it was fun.

Overall, how would you rate your season to this point?

Personally, it's been a good year so far, but of course you always want to go further, both in the Champions Hockey League and SHL. For next year, though, I hope we take the next step and battle for the medals - that would be best.

From a personal standpoint, would you say this has been your best season so far?

That's tough to say but every season I try to take small steps to becoming a better player. I think this season might have been my best but it's not over yet. I hope I can continue playing and experience a World Championship.

What do you think your chances are of making the final team?

It's tough – there's a lot of good players – but for me, I think I have a chance and as long as I have a chance it's fun to play. I'll just keep playing my game and I hope I can go all the way. 

You made the team last year but only played two games . . .

Yeah, yeah, then I got injured. That was definitely a tough situation for me to have to go back home and recover, but at the same time I had a good summer that I could get a lot of rest, then start working out late in it. That prepared me for a long season this season and I'm still playing, which is a good sign. 

Thank you Daniel, and best of luck!

Thank you.