Swedish defenceman Thommie Bergman caused a stir in the NHL when he was signed as a free agent by the Detroit Red Wings in March 1972. His arrival ushered in a new era as the NHL and WHA began to look to Sweden and Finland for talent in the early 1970s. The talented blueliner was solid at both ends of the ice and enjoyed success in the NHL with the Wings and in the WHA with the Winnipeg Jets.
Born in Munkfors, Sweden, Bergman excelled on the Sodertalje and Vastra Frolunda clubs and represented his country at the 1972 Sapporo Olympics and the World Championships in 1971 and 1972. He scored 21 points on the improved Red Wings in 1972-73 before battling injuries and thugs over the next two seasons. He sought a more appealing style of hockey in the WHA with the speedy Winnipeg Jets.
Bergman thrived on the Jets' blueline for three and a half years and played for Sweden at the inaugural Canada Cup in 1976. He re-signed with Detroit in March 1978 and joined the club in time for its playoff match-up against the powerful Montreal Canadiens. He scored a personal high 27 points in 1978-79 but only played 28 games the following season. Bergman retired in 1981 after playing one last year in Sweden with Vastra Frolunda.
