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SPEAK OF THE DEVILS PODCAST
New Jersey Devils Official Podcast
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Jonas Siegenthaler | Speak of the Devils
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When he isn't cooking Swedish meatballs, Holtz enjoys eating them. And though he does give Ikea high marks for their version of his native delicacy, he doesn't count them as the best.
"They're good, but you can find better," he laughed. "Swedish meatballs are the best. You can have them any time." Holtz paused before adding: "Maybe not for breakfast."
Holtz has been working on his cooking skills while living in a hotel since arriving in North America April 16. His introduction to the United States included a seven-day mandatory quarantine period, where he passed a lot of time FaceTiming friends and family, before he could join the American Hockey League's Binghamton Devils. And over the past month, the 19-year-old is learning how to be an adult.
"It's been fun. A good experience for me coming to America on my own," he said. "It's my first time living by myself. It's a huge step. I learned a lot every day. Of course, it can be tough sometimes."
The tough part is due to Holtz's extrovertive personality. For someone that is a "people person," being alone for a week and then trying to make his way in a brave new world has been challenging.
"Quarantine was a hard time for me," he admitted. "It can be lonely sometimes. I need to talk with friends a lot and hang out with the boys and the team, too. I like to be around people and speak a lot. I have a hard time sometimes when I'm alone."
Forming a bond with his new teammates will go a long way to curing that loneliness. Holtz has gravitated toward fellow Swedish forward Fabian Zetterlund and Swiss goalie Gilles Senn in his time with Binghamton.
"Another Swede on our team. It's easy to speak your own language," Holtz said of Zetterlund. "You know your own language the most. It's easier to speak that way. (Senn and I) go into the rink (together) all the time. They've been two perfect buddies for me here. It's nice to have them here."
And the Devils are as equally grateful to have Holtz here. The 6-foot, 192-pound forward has received high praise for his quick release and deadly shot. That was on display when Holtz, he models his gave after Boston's David Pastrnak, buried a shot for his first-career AHL goal April 28 against Hershey, dropping to one-knee and scoring on a one-time snap shot on the power play.
"It's always nice to score goals," he said. "It was a nice one, too. My first professional North American goal. A great moment."
Holtz finished his first AHL stint with three points (1G-2A) in 10 games. Despite Binghamton's season ending on Sunday, Holtz will remain in Newark for a few weeks to continue training and working with New Jersey's staff before returning to Sweden.
"I need to model my game a little more," he said. "It's about getting faster. I need to be quicker all the time. I think I'm getting more comfortable with every game you play."
But when Holtz returns to Newark for next season's training camp, instead of living in a hotel, he hopes to make his stay much more permanent.
"Be as ready as I can before camp," Holtz said. "My goal here is to make a spot on the New Jersey Devils next season."
