Sebastian Stalberg is hungry to compete this season. The younger brother of Chicago Blackhawks forward Viktor Stalberg, Sebastian hopes to make a spot on the Worcester roster. The six-foot, 190-pound native of Sweden played in 13 games for Worcester last year following three seasons at the University of Vermont.

“I want to go in and compete every day at camp and make sure I can get a spot and be ready to go for the season,” said Stalberg. “You can prepare all you want in the summertime but it’s always different when you compete and play for real.”

Although he has played in just over a dozen games for Worcester, Stalberg already owns a spot in the record books. In his AHL debut with the Sharks on March 18, Stalberg notched a goal against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. In doing so, Stalberg became only the sixth player in team history to score his first professional goal in his first professional game.

Last year in Worcester Stalberg registered three goals and two assists and 25 shots. Stalberg feels that those games in Worcester will give him confidence and help him acclimate to professional hockey.

“I think it did a lot for me to get those games at the end of the year. It definitely got me experience,” said Stalberg. “I got to know a lot of the guys around here, the coaches and staff. It makes it more comfortable going into camp and what to expect.”

Following the Sharks Development Camp in San Jose this summer, Stalberg stayed in San Jose to work out with Worcester players Matt Tennyson, Travis Oleksuk and Danill Tarasov. Being a smaller forward, Stalberg knows that he needs to develop his strength and feels his preparation this summer is crucial for his game.

“When they left I stayed around for the summer as well. I thought it would be a good idea to stay longer and develop my strengths,” said Stalberg.

Like most hockey players, Stalberg hopes to one day play in the NHL. Following in his brother’s footsteps, the close relationship between Sebastian and Viktor is something he thinks will help achieve this goal.

“It’s always good to have someone close to you to have the experience and know what it takes to get to the NHL,” said Stalberg. “That’s my goal and it’s always good to communicate with him and get advice.”